LifeSciences Calendar 2015

Rusts

The picture shows a plant that has been attacked by a rusty fungus. After the reproduction of the fungus, this fruit body is formed, which pushes through the epidermis layer of the infected leaves, thereby releasing thin spores. Rust fungi present a dangerous threat to cereal cultures such as wheat, soya, etc.

Streptococcal colony

The colored electron micrograph shows feligraneous chains of Streptococcus pneumoniae in a laboratory test. Although some streptococcal infections can be fatal, many strains are harmless - as are a myriad of other bacterial species with which humans live in symbiosis.

Surface of an egg of the common mosquito

The females of the common mosquitoes (Culex pipiens) deposit up to 300 eggs in standing waters as a post-shaped lump. The small egg boats float 2 to 3 days on the water until their larvae hatch. The water-repellent property of the surface is based on microscopically small structures, which can bind a thin air layer per se.

Seed capsules of the torque

Landplants have life cycles in which a haploid gametophyte and a diploid generation alternate. The gametophyte is the dominant generation of torpedoes (Bryopsida sp.), Which rarely occurs in other species, whereas the sporophyte grows on the tip of the gametophyte. The sporocytes consist of a sphenobium with thousands of tiny spores and a stalk. When the lid dries, shrinks, and the coil springs open, the spores are released and spread by the wind.

The big stink bomb - or what causes welding feet?

Sweat is excreted all day to keep the skin moist and supple. Sweat itself is odorless, but it creates favorable conditions for the administration of bacteria that produce unpleasant smelling substances. The same species are present as a natural component of the human microbial flora of the skin, but rather in low numbers. Some shoes and socks can inhibit evaporation and provide the perfect environment for the prosperity of foul-smelling sweat bacteria. Since our feet have more sweat glands than any other body region, they usually begin to spread their unpleasant smell first.

Seed of the heather

Scanning electron micrograph of the caly leaf of a flower of the heather plant (Erica sp.). Countless plants have developed water-repellent, self-cleaning surface structures that protect them from damage during heavy rainfall. Man-made structures of this kind would have useful fields of application in our daily lives, agriculture and industry. The science branch of bionics has been committed to this goal for several years.

Shed a butterfly wing

Butterfly wings (Lepidoptera sp.) Are covered with a kind of dust that can be easily scraped off. Under the microscope one can see that this dust consists of small, symmetrical bricks covering each other like roof tiles. These roof tiles have evolved from hair during evolution.

Feeding tools of a mosquito larva

Scanning electron micrograph of the mouth area of a mosquito bug (family Culicidae). The blended hair (in violet) represent feeding tools used to filter water. The larvae thus retain algae, bacteria and other microorganisms from which they feed.

Leaf of an olive tree

The leaf of an olive tree (Olea europaea) is covered by trichomes (hair) - structures that remind of umbrella-like umbrellas. The function of the trichomes is to donate shadows and retain water. They are also able to recycle water, which has been lost during breathing through the slit openings (stoma).

blood clotting

The figure shows human (homa sapiens) blood cells 120 seconds after the start of blood clotting. Once blood coagulation has begun, a network of fibrin threads is built up immediately, which helps to close the wound and ultimately stops bleeding. The cells you see here come from the author himself.

Egg of the Zebrafalter

The eggs of insects form amazing surface structures. Due to the ever-present dangers, insects lay a large number of eggs and surround them with a thick shell. In order to ensure the supply of the embryonic caterpillars with oxygen during their development, Schmeteterlings have created a system of interlinked pores that form beautiful ornaments - the so-called aeropyle system. On the picture, the egg of a zebra fold with its exceptionally impressive surface patterning.

Lily of the valley pollen

Common Snowdrop (Galanthus nievalis) is a typically wind pollinated plant. In early spring, the plant grow from bulbs -sometimes directly through snow- to open just a single flower. Pollen are oval shaped with a smooth surface./p>

Pollen of the Japanese cedar

Pollens with Ubisch bodies (yellow dots). The pollinated grains originate from the Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica). They can cause severe allergic reactions (allergic rhinitis). When they come into contact with the nasal discharge, their conformation changes, releasing allergens within the interior of the pollen granules and the ubic bodies.