As
a prerequisite for colonisation of the mainland, plants developed lipophilic
biopolymers forming the interface between the plant and the surrounding
air and soil environment. Leaf and fruit surfaces are covered by cuticles
and waxes, stem and root interfaces are formed by suberized cell walls.
As main function lipophilic interfaces form efficient transport barriers
protecting land-living plants from uncontrolled water loss and at the
same time they protect living plant tissue from infection by pathogens.
Various aspects of our ongoing research are related to:
(i) The function
of plant cuticles as barriers for water transport across leaf surfaces
(Water and Solute Transport across
Plant Cuticles)
(ii)
The role of leaf surfaces as habitats for epiphyllic microorganisms
(Leaf Surfaces as
Habitats for Microorganisms)
(iii) The structure
and function of suberized hypodermal and endodermal cell walls forming
the soil/root interface (Structure and Formation
of Suberin in Roots)
