Nitrate, proton, and ammonium uptake in fern gametophytes
| dc.contributor.author | Creasy, Em | |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2024-03-17T02:56:12Z | |
| dc.date.available | 2024-03-17T02:56:12Z | |
| dc.date.issued | 2024 | |
| dc.description.abstract | Ferns possess two independent and alternating growth forms: the spore-producing sporophyte and gamete-producing gametophyte. Another unique aspect of ferns is that sex is determined post-spore germination; thus, environmental conditions may influence whether gametophytes develop as male (M), female (F), or hermaphrodite (H). The goal of this research was to determine if there is an effect of sex, pH, and/or generation on NH4+, NO3-, and H+ uptake in fern gametophytes. A microelectrode ion flux measurement (MIFE) system was used to characterize these major nutrient ion fluxes in the gametophytes of Polystichum munitum (sword fern), Christella dentata (soft fern), and Cyrtomium falcatum (Japanese holly fern). On average, NH4+ flux was greater in M than F/H, which may be explained by male gametophytes being at earlier and more active stages of development. The majority of NO3- flux was efflux, which could be due to the tendency of NO3- to be lost in the acidic environment of PNW forests simulated within the methods. The study provides insight into the nutritional ecology underlying fern gametophytes, essential for the successful establishment of fern species in our forests. | |
| dc.description.reviewstatus | Reviewed | |
| dc.description.scholarlevel | Undergraduate | |
| dc.description.sponsorship | Jamie Cassels Undergraduate Research Awards (JCURA) | |
| dc.identifier.uri | https://hdl.handle.net/1828/16177 | |
| dc.language.iso | en | |
| dc.publisher | University of Victoria | |
| dc.subject | ferns | |
| dc.subject | Gametophyte | |
| dc.subject | Nutrient Ion Flux | |
| dc.subject | plant physiology | |
| dc.subject | forest biology | |
| dc.title | Nitrate, proton, and ammonium uptake in fern gametophytes | |
| dc.type | Poster |