Strange Movement Observed in Microscopic Horsetail Spores
Posted on September 13, 2013
Scientists at the University Grenoble in France, led by Philippe Marmottant, have observed that microscopic horsetail spores (Equisetum spores) are capable of walking and jumping on their four elaters, which are flexible ribbon-like appendages. The movement is driven by changes in the humidity.
The researchers report in Proceedings of The Royal Society B that the spores elaters are initially wrapped around the body of the spores. The elators deploy upon drying and fold back as the air gets more humid. The scientists report that spore jumps can occur when the elastic energy is released. The spores suddenly thrust themselves after being tightly folded. The scientists call the overall movement of the spores a novel type of spore locomotion. Take a look: