title: Fullerene-based symmetry in Hibiscus rosa-sinensis pollen.
abstract: The fullerene molecule belongs to the so-called super materials. The compound is interesting due to its spherical configuration where atoms occupy positions forming a mechanically stable structure. We first demonstrate that pollen of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis has a strong symmetry regarding the distribution of its spines over the spherical grain. These spines form spherical hexagons and pentagons. The distance between atoms in fullerene is explained applying principles of flat, spherical, and spatial geometry, based on Euclid's "Elements" book, as well as logic algorithms. Measurements of the pollen grain take into account that the true spine lengths, and consequently the real distances between them, are measured to the periphery of each grain. Algorithms are developed to recover the spatial effects lost in 2D photos. There is a clear correspondence between the position of atoms in the fullerene molecule and the position of spines in the pollen grain. In the fullerene the separation gives the idea of equal length bonds which implies perfectly distributed electron clouds while in the pollen grain we suggest that the spines being equally spaced carry an electrical charge originating in forces involved in the pollination process.
authors.affiliation: Centro de Nanociencia y Nanotecnología, Universidad de las Fuerzas Armadas ESPE, Sangolquí, Ecuador.
authors.forename: Kleber
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Andrade
authors.affiliation: Centro de Nanociencia y Nanotecnología, Universidad de las Fuerzas Armadas ESPE, Sangolquí, Ecuador.
authors.forename: Sara
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Guerra
authors.affiliation: Centro de Nanociencia y Nanotecnología, Universidad de las Fuerzas Armadas ESPE, Sangolquí, Ecuador.
authors.forename: Alexis
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Debut
mesh_terms: D037741:Fullerenes / Q000737:chemistry; D031584:Hibiscus / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D011058:Pollen / Q000648:ultrastructure*
chemical_list: D037741:Fullerenes