Comparative morphology of mucilage cells in Mimosa L. species (Leguminosae, Mimosoida clade)

• Grant number: 21/14860-8
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• Start date: May 01, 2022
• End date: April 30, 2024
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Botany - Plant Morphology
• Principal Investigator: Simone de Pádua Teixeira
• Grantee: Thaís Alves de Sousa
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto (FCFRP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Ribeirão Preto , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Secretory structures are morphoanatomical units that can be present in all plant organs. They have different functions, such as acting to protect against herbivory, pathogens, solar radiation and dehydration. These structures exhibit great diversity regarding morphology and secretion process, and can contribute to plant systematics. Mucilage cells are examples of secretory structures, and occur as special cells or unspecified cells. They are frequent in the Leguminosae family and have been identified in species of the genus Mimosa L., in the epidermis of the sepals. The genus is quite representative in Brazil and can occur in ecotone regions. This study aims to locate, characterize in detail and compare the mucilage cells in leaves and flowers of nine species of the genus Mimosa L. found in different vegetations in Piauí State, Brazil. Structural differences of mucilaginous cells in response to the environment in which plants occur will be highlighted. Anatomical (light microscopy) and ultrastructural (transmission electron microscopy) analyses will be employed. This project will deepen the knowledge of the diversity of occurrence and distribution of these secretory structures in different vegetations, in addition to providing data for evolutionary discussions for the genus and family.