Re: Nepenthes and light

Michael (IFMJC@ASUVM.INRE.ASU.EDU)
Sun, 26 Sep 1993 09:15:04 -0700 (MST)

Jan, that's very interesting! I suppose the uptake of amino acids is
possible only in carnivorous plants with the proper proteases. CP that
use bacteria for prey breakdown would not benefit?

How was the absorbtion of peptides and amino acids confirmed? I know that
individual ATOMS can be labelled by using a radioactive isotope, but this
could not tell you if the nitrogen entered the plant as petpides or as
ammonium ions?

I suppose this then is a possible route by which CP might eventually loose
their chlorophyll and become TOTALLY carnivorous!

It also suggests that feeding plants real insects (ie. meal worm beetles)
would be of greater benefit than just drippling fertilizer in the trap.

-Michael