It
is wondering structure in plant kingdom. From primitive fungi to highly evolved
angiosperms we can see this structure. It is a projection originated from
normal tissue to get better nourishment from neighboring source.
 |
| Haustorium |
Haustorium
has hypotonic cytoplasm compared to surrounding host tissue. Hence it helps to
grab the nourishment by osmosis.
Amazing fact here is, how can Haustorium
maintain its hypotonic nature with its own tissue..???
Its
size varies, in fungi it is nodule like structure just penetrates into the host
tissue and sucks the required nutrition. In fungi, haustoria can be seen at the
base of the mycelium where it is in contact with host tissue.
HAUSTORIUM IN HOST TISSUE
HAUSTORIUM IN HOST TISSUE
In
higher plants (Gymnosperm onwards) haustoria are quite rare. In the embryos of
Angiosperms we can see haustoria where the requirement of nutrition is more.
Endosperm of the Cucumis shows beautiful Haustorium. It grows to a size that it
uses to cross out the integument of ovary to grab the nourishment. In advanced
plants, in embryogeny the micropylar end shows slightly bulged haustoria.
MICROSCOPIC VIEW OF HAUSTORIUM
(ITS OBSERVED IN ENDOSPERM OF CUCUMIS)
Formation
of haustoria is shown in sequence.
Different
views of haustoirum........
Haustoria
play an important role for the survival of the plant and some other organisms.
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