title: Distribution and function of epistomatal mucilage plugs.
abstract: Investigation of 67 gymnosperm and angiosperm species belonging to 25 orders shows that epistomatal mucilage plugs are a widespread phenomenon. Measurements of the leaf water status by using the leaf patch clamp pressure technique suggest that the mucilage plugs are involved in moisture uptake and buffering leaf cells against complete turgor pressure loss at low humidity.
authors.affiliation: Lehrstuhl für Biotechnologie, Biozentrum, Universität Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074, Würzburg, Germany.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Westhoff
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Zimmermann
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Zimmermann
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Gessner
authors.forename: L H
authors.initials: LH
authors.lastname: Wegner
authors.forename: F-W
authors.initials: FW
authors.lastname: Bentrup
authors.forename: U
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Zimmermann
mesh_terms: D000222:Adaptation, Physiological; D010802:Phylogeny; D018515:Plant Leaves / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology*; D018521:Plant Physiological Phenomena; D018526:Plant Transpiration / Q000502:physiology*; D014867:Water; D052584:Xylem / Q000502:physiology
chemical_list: D014867:Water