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Johnathan J. Dalzell Profile picture
Johnathan J. Dalzell
@jjdalzell
Senior lecturer @QUBelfast | Research: #plant - #parasite interactions / parasitic plants & nematodes / root exudate / microRNAs / genetic engineering #GMO
Jul 21, 2020 • 29 tweets • 9 min read
Preparing teaching materials *all-the-ways* for next semester, and thought I'd start sharing why this zoologist fell in love with #plants

Exhibit A - The nettle.

Defends itself with trichome cells encased in biologically-synthesised glass (silica)...what the what?

1/5 When you touch the trichomes, they lacerate your skin, breaking the silica casing & releasing the chemical contents into your dermal tissue.

The stinging sensation = organic acids. Chemical weapons may seem OTT, but when you can't run away, things get serious, quick.

2/5