Applied Sciences and Engineering:

Title:           Morphometric Characters determine Tendril Biomechanics of Luffa acutangula var. acutangula
Authors:       Narasimhan S.
Abstract:     Plant Kingdom is a mystery for many engineers as they possess diverse form, function and architecture. Luffa acutangula var. acutangula is a species of the cucurbit family (Cucurbitaceae). The family comprise many plants that are climbers. They climb on support using a stem tendril. Botanically tendril can be a modified shoot, leaf or an axillary bud. Tendril curl, once they find a support. The study is focused onto analyze the morphological as well as detailed anatomical characterizations from photomicrographs and ultrastructural studies to determine the biomechanics. Data from Light microscopy and Scanning Electronic Microscopy were used for the analysis. Tendril of L. acutangula is unbranched and include two parts, a basal erect and upper coiled part. The upper portion probe and sense support systems, attach to them either by loop up like a spring or by extending towards them. Tensile strength of the coiled tendrils are significant. Anatomical characterization revealed that there are lignin depositions on tendrils. Lignin depositions increases the friction; which is proportional to the tensile tension. This in turn offers tremendous strength to the tendrils to sustain. It was seen that the central the coil of the tendrils on both sides are in opposite direction. Hence the middle part there is a small uncoil part. The study also proposes that cell wall depositions has significant role to play in bearing the tension. The tendrils of the species studied also revealed a spectacular geometry proving the tendril biomechanics.

Keywords:   Biomechanics, Lignin, Luffa Acutangula, Scanning Electron Microscopy, Tendril
Pages:         025-028

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