External Glands of Nepenthes Traps: Structure and Potential Function

Nepenthes L. species (tropical pitcher plants) are a classic example of carnivorous plants. The Nepenthes traps are highly specialized pitchers with a zoned structure. On the outer surface of the pitcher, there are nectaries and various types of trichomes, including glandular trichomes. The main aim of our study was to examine these glandular trichome structures and check the distribution of the homogalacturonans (HGs) and hemicelluloses in the cell wall of trichome cells. The structure of Nepenthes bicalcarata Hook. f. and Nepenthes albomarginata T.Lobb ex Lindl. trichomes was analyzed using light and electron microscopy. The antibodies were used against the wall components [anti-pectic homogalacturonans (HGs): JIM5 (low methylesterified HGs), LM19 (low methylesterified HGs), CCRC-M38 (a fully de-esterified HGs), JIM7 (highly esterified HGs), LM20 (esterified HGs), LM5 (galactan) and anti-hemicelluloses: LM25 (xyloglucan), LM15 (galactoxyloglucan), CCRC-M138 (xylan), and LM10 antibody (xylan)]. The localization of the examined compounds was determined using immunohistochemistry techniques. The presence of endodermal and transfer cells supports the idea that peltate trichomes actively transport solutes. Also, the presence of pectic homogalacturonans and hydrophilic hemicelluloses indicates that water or aqueous solutions are transported through the trichomes’ cell walls. Our study supports the idea that these trichomes may act as hydathodes or hydropotes.