Cell types

Trichomes

A Trichome is an epidermal "hair".

Trichomes can be singular or
multicellular.

A major function of the trichome is

thought to be in plant defense
against insects.

Chemicals produced in the glandular

tip can deter feeding or the
trichome can physically prevent the
insect from reaching and feeding on
the leaf.

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 Cell types
Trichomes
Look close and you can see the tiny hairs (trichomes) on the back of these
tomato flowers. There is some evidence that some types of chemicals
produced in tomato trichomes can prevent insect attack.

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 Cell types
Trichomes
Trichomes can appear as singular "hairs" or they can be branched as seen in
these two stellate trichomes. Trichome shape is indicative of a particular
plant species and has been used in taxonomy to identify plants.

Single trichomes Branched trichomes Stellate trichomes

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 Cell types
Trichomes

Using an electron microscope you can see the beautiful

shapes of trichomes.

A trichome without
a glandular tip

A trichome with a
glandular tip

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 Cell types
Trichomes

Trichomes contain many different

types of secondary chemical
products. Some are useful
products like fragrances or
flavors as in mints.

Trichomes also function to shade

the leaf for plants native to hot,
arid climates.

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 Cell types
Trichomes

Trichomes grow from

epidermal cells and can
make striking patterns on
leaves and stems like on
this begonia leaf.

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 Cell types
Trichomes

Trichomes can also contain

irritants that cause rashes in
people like this stinging nettles
(Urtica dioica).

These trichomes actually inject

irritating chemicals into the skin
when touched causing the “sting”.

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 Cell types
Trichomes

Some plants like this fuzzy

Kalanchoe have leaves covered
with hairs (trichomes).

This may shade the leaf and

make it more adapted to a
hotter, drier climate.

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 Cell types
Trichomes
The most specialized trichomes are
found in insect eating plants like this
sundew (Drosera). The trichomes glisten
with exudate that trap and digest the
insect (red arrow) while the leave curls
around it.

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Trichomes

Tradescantia stamen hairs are large

trichomes.

Stamen hairs are made of 10 to 30

large cells connected end to end.

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 Cell types
Trichomes

Trichomes are very active cells. In

stamen hairs of Tradescantia, it is easy
to see this activity.

The cellular components move around

the cell in strands of cytoplasm.

The cytoplasm is in strands that move

around the vacuole near the outside of
the cell along the cell wall.

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Trichomes
Cytoplasmic streaming in Tradescantia stamen hairs.

Click the image to see the movie.

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