Re: Neps liquid level

burkhard@aries.scs.uiuc.edu
Fri, 22 Nov 1996 11:12:58 -0600 (CST)

Jan wrote:
> Dear Paul,
>
> > More prey, more bacterial action and hence more enzyme production
> > ultimately resulting in the absorption of nutrients; assuming of course
> > Laurent's Nepenthes rely on bacterial aid.
>
> Why assuming that, and why "of course"? The presence of endogenous
> proteolytic and other hydrolytic enzymes in _Nepenthes_ pitcher
> liquid has been amply demonstrated beyond doubt. I even think that
> these are in fact the best characterized of any cp enzymes.
>

Thanks, I stand corrected. I would like to know what mechanism stimulates
the production of these enzymes. It appears to me that it would be
chemical rather than a mechanical, however it has been mentioned that it
is the struggling action of a prey which provides the stimulus. Any other
comments?

> Please do *not* believe that *all* cps are subcarnivorous just
> because this has been proved for _Roridula_ recently.

Don't worry, I do not. A plant such as the venus fly trap is convincing in
that respect.

Paul Burkhardt