Microscopic flower petal ridges flash to attract pollinating insects; scientists now know how ridges form
Tuesday, December 22, 2009 - 17:14
in Biology & Nature
Microscopic ridges contouring the surface of flower petals might play a role in flashing that come-hither look pollinating insects can't resist. Scientists now have figured out how those form. The result could help researchers learn to enhance plants' pollination success and even could lead to high-grip nanomaterials and "green chemical" feedstocks.