Clipping Board » New Knowledge and the Unknown of Life ─ Life will always bring you surprises and wonders.
Update Date: 2008/09/20 07:20 F67 Zhang Zhongwan
(AFP, Washington, 18th) A study published today in the journal "Biogeosciences" reveals that plants emit a chemical similar to aspirin to protect themselves when faced with drought or abnormal temperatures. The findings may help farmers avoid agricultural disasters.
A team from the National Center for Atmospheric Research in Colorado, USA, stated that the methyl salicylate emitted by plants not only helps them resist damage but may also serve as a warning signal to each other.
Lead researcher Karl said: "Unlike humans, who take aspirin to reduce fever, plants can produce their own aspirin-like compounds, which trigger the formation of proteins that enhance biochemical defenses and reduce damage."
"We measured high levels of this chemical in the atmosphere when plants responded to drought, abnormal temperatures, or other stresses."
Acetylsalicylic acid, also known as aspirin, was originally extracted from tree bark, so scientists already knew it was a compound produced by plants. However, scientists had never observed plants emitting this gas.
Researchers mentioned that they accidentally discovered methyl salicylate last year while setting up instruments in a walnut grove in California to monitor volatile organic compounds emitted by plants.
Source: http:/ / tw. news. yahoo. com/ art……url/ d/ a/ 080920/ 19/ 168xu. html
Study: Plants Emit Aspirin-Like Substance under Stress for Self-Protection
(AFP, Washington, 18th) A study published today in the journal "Biogeosciences" reveals that plants emit a chemical similar to aspirin to protect themselves when faced with drought or abnormal temperatures. The findings may help farmers avoid agricultural disasters.
A team from the National Center for Atmospheric Research in Colorado, USA, stated that the methyl salicylate emitted by plants not only helps them resist damage but may also serve as a warning signal to each other.
Lead researcher Karl said: "Unlike humans, who take aspirin to reduce fever, plants can produce their own aspirin-like compounds, which trigger the formation of proteins that enhance biochemical defenses and reduce damage."
"We measured high levels of this chemical in the atmosphere when plants responded to drought, abnormal temperatures, or other stresses."
Acetylsalicylic acid, also known as aspirin, was originally extracted from tree bark, so scientists already knew it was a compound produced by plants. However, scientists had never observed plants emitting this gas.
Researchers mentioned that they accidentally discovered methyl salicylate last year while setting up instruments in a walnut grove in California to monitor volatile organic compounds emitted by plants.
Source: http:/ / tw. news. yahoo. com/ art……url/ d/ a/ 080920/ 19/ 168xu. html