You have probably noticed that flowers come in many different shapes. But did you know that flower petal cells also come in a variety of shapes? As a matter of fact, one single petal can host flat rectangles and cone topped spheres. And the best part? You can observe these shapes with a Foldscope 2.0. Read on to see what I saw!
Figure 1. Picture of the flowers used in this blog
(Photo Credit: Holly A. Stuart)
The Role Of The Flower
Flowers are designed to attract pollinators. The shapes, colors, and scents of the petals all work together to draw in pollinators of all types increasing the plant’s ability to reproduce. In addition to these macroscopic properties, flower petals have microscopic properties at play too. The shapes of individual flower petal cells are big (or is it microscopic?) factors in determining how effective insects are at collecting and spreading pollen.
Figure 2. Picture of an insect on a flower
(Photo Credit: Holly A. Stuart)
Flat And Rectangular Cells
Some flower petal cells are elongated and flat with cells that look like they have been stitched into a quilt. An insect walking along these cells might find it to be slippery and challenging to navigate.
Figure 3. Picture of elongated flower petal cells viewed under a Foldscope 2.0 at 140X magnification plus 5X zoom on phone
(Photo Credit: Holly A. Stuart)
Spherical and Raised Cells
Spherical shaped cells provide texture to the surface of a flower petal. Researchers think that these micro indentations might provide space for an insect's legs to grip and hold on to while it searches for nectar and collects pollen.
Figure 4. Picture of spherical flower petal cells viewed under a Foldscope 2.0 at 140X magnification plus 5X zoom on phone
(Photo Credit: Holly A. Stuart)
I love how the simplest of Foldscope observations can lead to some interesting scientific thoughts. The variety of shapes you can see on a single flower petal is amazing! I could even watch the cell shapes change from flat and elongated to spherical and raised as I panned along the slide. The image below shows elongated cells in the top left that gradually shape-shift to spherical ones in the bottom right.
Figure 5. Picture of flower petal cells viewed under a Foldscope 2.0 at 140X magnification plus 5X zoom on phone
(Photo Credit: Holly A. Stuart)
Have you looked at flower petals under a Foldscope 2.0? Use your Foldscope to dive into the microscopic world and find the beauty that is there waiting for you. Share your microscopic images and thoughts on the Microcosmos. Be sure to tag us on social media when you post the results of your explorations, creations, and discoveries! We love to see how Foldscopers around the world are using their Foldscopes in new and innovative ways!
Facebook: @Foldscope
Instagram: @teamfoldscope
Blue Sky: @teamfoldscope.bsky.social
TikTok: @foldscope
Threads: @teamfoldscope
Twitter: @TeamFoldscope
Sources:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0960982209010501
