Breadcrumb
Microbial Worlds Within: SEM of Darlingtonia Pitchers
Presentation Year
2026
College or Department
College of Natural Resources & Sciences
Short Description of your Research or Creative Project (700 characters or less)
Darlingtonia californica relies on microbes within its pitcher fluid to break down captured prey into usable nutrients. This process is typically attributed to bacteria; however, fungi, are also found in the fluid, and their role remains largely unknown.
For this project, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to directly visualize microorganisms in pitcher fluid and on pitcher tissue. Cultured bacterial and fungal isolates from Darlingtonia’s fluid provided morphological references for identification. Tissues from the hood and lower pitcher were then processed and examined for comparison. Both bacteria and yeast-like fungi were observed in each region. The abundance of fungi found means that they are likely integral to the digestive system. These results indicate that yeasts may be overlooked contributors to prey decomposition and nutrient cycling, pointing to a more complex digestive network within Darlingtonia that warrants further study.
For this project, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to directly visualize microorganisms in pitcher fluid and on pitcher tissue. Cultured bacterial and fungal isolates from Darlingtonia’s fluid provided morphological references for identification. Tissues from the hood and lower pitcher were then processed and examined for comparison. Both bacteria and yeast-like fungi were observed in each region. The abundance of fungi found means that they are likely integral to the digestive system. These results indicate that yeasts may be overlooked contributors to prey decomposition and nutrient cycling, pointing to a more complex digestive network within Darlingtonia that warrants further study.
Permission to Publish Work
Yes
Presentation File Upload
Primary Contact: First Name
Sierra
Primary Contact: Last Name
Vasinthascha
Primary Contact: Email
stv3@humboldt.edu
Primary Contact: I am a
Graduate Student
Primary Contact: Phone Number
7076163630
Indicate File Dimensions
4'x3'