Dr. Jacobsen examines the structure of the three-dimensional vessel network of woody plants (i.e. how vessels develop and connect with one another throughout the tissues of a plant). Nearly all of the research projects in the lab are based on the broad idea of how plants use and move water, especially in response to stress.

Seminar
Friday, Nov 15
4:10pm
Biology 19

"Moving water through wood: Structure and function of the vascular network of woody plants"

Abstract: Plants transport water through specialized water transport cells that interconnect to form a vascular network responsible for the bulk transport of water. The structure of this transport network is complex and includes individual cells, multi-cellular vessels, connections between vessels, and the distribution within the network of vessels of differing structural properties. Combined across these levels of organization, network structure determines the hydraulic efficiency and safety of woody tissue. Using a variety of methods to examine and describe vessel networks reveals the importance of combining information across multiple structural scales. Age and development related changes are also linked to the hydraulic function of large-bodied and long-lived woody plants. Much of how the vessel network responds to water stress remains little understood. With greater use of new technologies that permit the identification of individual vessels as they embolize, determination of the position of embolized vessels within vessel networks, and the combination of this information with data on plant hydraulic function, we are developing a deeper understanding of how plants move water through woody tissue and respond to water stress.

Student Lunch: Students are also invited to join Anna Jacobsen at noon on Friday before the afternoon seminar. Spots are limited, so early RSVPs are encouraged. RSVP here to join the student lunch.