Druse (botany)
A druse is a group of crystals of calcium oxalate,[1] silicates, or carbonates present in plants. Calcium oxalate (Ca(COO)2, CaOx) crystals are found in algae, angiosperms and gymnosperms in a total of more than 215 families. These plants accumulate oxalate in the range of 3%-80% (w/w) of their dry weight[2][3] through a biomineralization process in a variety of shapes.[4] Araceae have numerous druses, multi-crystal druses and needle-shaped raphide crystals of CaOx present in the tissue.[5] Druses are also found in leaves and bud scales of Prunus, Rosa,[6] Allium, Vitis, Morus and Phaseolus.[7][8] The poisonous substances in druses are thought to be a defense against herbivory.
How druses are formed
A number of biochemical pathways for calcium oxalate biomineralization in plants have been proposed. Among these are the cleavage of isocitrate, the hydrolysis of oxaloacetate, glycolate/glyoxylate oxidation, and/or oxidative cleavage of L-ascorbic acid.[9] The cleavage of ascorbic acid appears to be the most studied pathway.[10][11][12][13] The specific mechanism controlling this process is unclear but it has been suggested that a number of factors influence crystal shape and growth, such as proteins, polysaccharides, and lipids or macromolecular membrane structures.[14][15][16] Druses may also have some purpose in calcium regulation.
See also
References
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