Stinging Nettle Urtica Dioica, Sem
by Eye Of Science
Title
Stinging Nettle Urtica Dioica, Sem
Artist
Eye Of Science
Medium
Photograph - Photograph
Description
Scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of the hairs of a Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica). The leaves and stems of this plant are covered in non-stinging hairs, as well as stinging hairs (the largest hair in this image). The stinging hairs act as a protective mechanism against predators. The hairs are long, single-celled tubes whose walls are hard and brittle as glass due to embedded silicic acid. The base of the hair is swollen, filled with stinging chemical compounds, rooted into a cell cup. The tip of the hair has a head that breaks off under slight pressure leaving an oblique, sharp point, similar to needle of a syringe. Upon contact, the hair pierces the skin of its victim. The chemical compounds are injected and immediately cause sharp, burning pain followed by itching or burning wheals on the skin. Scanning Electron Microscope, magnification 210x at 15x12cm image size.
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May 19th, 2021
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