A lichen protected by a super-hydrophobic and breathable structure.
A species of lichen, Lecanora conizaeoides, is shown to be super-hydrophobic. It uses a combination of hydrophobic compounds and multi-layered roughness to shed water effectively. This is combined with gas channels to produce a biological analogue of a waterproof, breathable garment. The particular lichen grows mostly during wet seasons and is unusually resistant to acid rain [Hauck, M., 2003. The Bryologist 106(2), 257-269; Honegger, R., 1998. Lichenologist 30(3),193-212]. The waterproof, breathable surface allows this lichen to photosynthesise when other species are covered with a layer of water. In addition, rainwater runs off the surface of the organism, reducing its intake of water from above and probably contributing to its resistance to acid rain.
Shirtcliffe
Neil J
NJ
School of Biomedical and Natural Sciences, Nottingham Trent University, Clifton Road, NG11 8NS, UK. Neil.shirtcliffe@ntu.ac.uk
Brian Pyatt
F
F
Newton
Michael I
MI
McHale
Glen
G
D015258:Acid Rain; D004391:Dust; D005740:Gases / Q000378:metabolism; D057927:Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Interactions; D008011:Lichens / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000502:physiology / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D010788:Photosynthesis; D011891:Rain
D015258:Acid Rain; D004391:Dust; D005740:Gases