| Abstract Detail
Phytochemical Section Vaudry, Charles [1], Cinel, Bruno [2], Ross Friedman, Cynthia [1], Van Hamme, Jonathan [1]. Biosurfactants in the dwarf mistletoe, Arceuthobium americanum (Viscaceae). Dwarf mistletoes (genus Arceuthobium) are flowering plants that parasitize North American conifers. We have preliminary evidence that suggests lodgepole pine dwarf mistletoe (A. americanum) contains biosurfactants. Biosurfactants are compounds that reduce the surface tension of water. Female A. americanum was collected from a study site situated 20km southwest of Kamloops, B.C., macerated, and treated with methanol for the extraction of organic compounds. The extract was applied to a water/oil interface, and a drastic decrease in surface tension was observed. There are at least three biological reasons for dwarf mistletoe to produce biosurfactants: (1) A dwarf mistletoe seed might require biosurfactants in its viscous coating to aid in host penetration. (2) The dwarf mistletoe plant may use biosurfactants to reduce water tension in order to aid in the uptake of water and dissolved minerals from the host tree. (3) Dwarf mistletoe seeds and shoots might produce biosurfactants that possess some antimicrobial activity. We are working to validate, characterize, and identify the biosurfactants present in A. americanum.
Log in to add this item to your schedule
1 - Thompson Rivers University, Department of Biological Sciences, Box 3010, 900 McGill Road, Kamloops, BC, V2C 5N3, Canada
2 - Thompson Rivers University, Physical Sciences, Box 3010, 900 McGill Road, Kamloops, BC, V2C 5N3, Canada
Keywords:
Dwarf mistletoe
Arceuthobium americanum
lodgepole pine
biosurfactant.
Presentation Type: Poster:Posters for Sections
Session: P
Location: Ball Room & Party Room/SUB
Date: Monday, July 28th, 2008
Time: 12:30 PM
Number: PPT003
Abstract ID:495 |
