Images Dated 26th August 2003

BIO12455

Strokkur Geyser which every five minutes hurls boiling water to a height of about 20 metres, Hveravellir (Hot Springs Plain), Iceland

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Carnivorous plant leaf scales, SEM

Carnivorous plant leaf scales. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of leaf scales from the yellow pitcher plant (Sarracenia flava). These are found on the inside surface of the leaves used by this carnivorous plant to trap insects. The scales point downwards, and secrete a waxy substance that causes insects to lose their footing and fall into the trap. They are attracted by a sweet-smelling liquid secreted by glands (one at lower centre). Larger, spiny scales (not seen) stop large insects from climbing out of the trap. The trapped insects are digested by enzymes, providing the plant with nutrients not found where it grows. Magnification: x1670 when printed 10cm high

© POWER AND SYRED/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY

Venus flytrap leaves, SEM

Venus flytrap leaves. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of spiny leaf traps from a Venus flytrap plant (Dionaea muscipula). A winged insect is trapped in the leaf in the background. The leaf spines (also seen on the edge of the foreground leaf) interlock on the closed trap, preventing the insect from escaping. The Venus flytrap plant is carnivorous, trapping insects in its hinged and two-lobed leaf traps. Touch-sensitive hairs on the leaf's inner surface are triggered when an insect lands in the trap, causing the leaf to close. The insect is digested by enzymes, providing the plant with nutrients not found in the swamps where it grows. Magnification: x12 when printed 10cm high

© POWER AND SYRED/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY