Cannabis is a genus of plants that includes a few different species and is frequently referred to as marijuana. Cannabis ruderalis is the third species, while Cannabis sativa and Cannabis indica are the two most frequently used for their psychotropic qualities.
These three species are different from one another in terms of cannabinoid levels, psychotropic effects, and production practices, but they all share trichomes.
The fact that trichomes resemble microscopic plant tresses makes sense given that the name “trichomes” is derived from the Greek word for hair. Trichomes have a wide range of functions depending on the plant, but in all species of Cannabis, they accumulate cannabinoids like CBD and THC as well as other chemicals.
The Plant Journal Has Finally Published the Findings.
The outcome was that the stalked trichomes had blue autofluorescence when exposed to UV light, reflecting the plant’s greater cannabinoid content. On the other hand, the sessile trichomes had red autofluorescence, indicating lower concentrations of the metabolite. The method also showed clusters of 12 to 16 secretory disc cells within the stalked trichomes.
Those in the bulbous trichomes could not be included in the analysis because they could not be distinguished from those in the sessile trichomes, which were smaller and fewer in number. Sam Livingston, co-lead author and a Ph.D. candidate in botany at UBC, said, “We discovered that stalked glandular trichomes have expanded “cellular factories”
We also discovered that they evolve from antecedents that resemble sessile plants and go through a significant change that can be seen with modern microscopy capabilities. The majority of genes involved in cannabis production are located in all three types of trichomes, which the researchers were able to establish by examining the DNA of the various trichomes.
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Cannabis: A Closer Look at Marijuana
The microscopic characteristics of the marijuana plant are revealed in this fascinating image collection in a way that has never been done before. This innovative and visually spectacular assessment, which combines art and science, honors the remarkable beauty and diversity of the most divisive plant in the world: Cannabis sativa.
Light micrographs, X-rays, and cutting-edge scanning electron microscope photos combine to vividly depict this fascinating plant. The 140 color photographs, which were painstakingly captured over the course of three years, are ordered by germination, stem, leaf, male flower, female flower, and roots. They are accompanied by explanations of what the spectator is witnessing. Each image was chosen with the understanding that the cannabis plant has had a difficult connection with people throughout history, highlighting distinctive and frequently odd qualities.
To Generate More Cannabinoids and Fragrant Terpenes.
According to the researchers, the stalked trichomes appear to be especially well-suited for producing cannabidiol acid (CBDA). This finding may have practical implications for those who work in the marijuana industry, which is already worth more than the combined GDP of nine states, according to Business Insider. Principal scientist and UBC professor of botany Anne Lacey Samuels spoke of a “treasure mine of genes” involved in the creation of terpenes and cannabinoids that may be altered to encourage “desirable features.”
Using molecular genetics and traditional breeding methods, Samuels stated, “this might be utilized to develop strains with desirable features like more productive marijuana strains or strains with certain cannabinoid and terpene profiles.”
Finding out how the trichomes “export and store” metabolites will be the next stage. According to Livingston, this is especially noteworthy because cannabis plants should have amounts of compounds that are poisonous to cells. “We want to know how they handle this,” they said.
Quilichini continued, “Despite its tremendous economic potential, our knowledge of the biology of the cannabis plant is still in its infancy due to the plant’s limited legal availability.
