Summary: Dartmouth researchers have uncovered the genetic mechanisms that allow the corpse flower to generate heat and produce its infamous rotting flesh smell. The study revealed a previously unknown component of the plant’s odor – a chemical called putrescine – and mapped out how different parts of the flower work together to create its distinctive scent.
Journal: PNAS Nexus, November 4, 2024, DOI: 10.1093/pnasnexus/pgae492 | Reading time: 4 minutes
A Rare Window of Opportunity
The titan arum, commonly known as the corpse flower, presents a unique challenge for scientists. While its powerful stench draws crowds to greenhouses worldwide, studying it requires perfect timing. “The blooms are rare and also short-lived, so we only get a small window to study these phenomena,” notes G. Eric Schaller, professor of biological sciences at Dartmouth.
Making the most of their opportunities, researchers collected tissue samples during several blooms of Morphy, Dartmouth’s 21-year-old corpse flower, to conduct genetic and chemical analyses of this remarkable plant.
The Heat is On
The corpse flower isn’t actually a single bloom, but rather a cluster of small flowers hidden within a giant central stalk called the spadix, which can reach heights of 12 feet. When flowering begins, typically every 5-7 years, the plant performs an unusual feat: it heats itself up.
The process begins when a frilly petal-like layer at the base, called the spathe, unfurls to create a deep red or maroon cup around the central stalk. The spadix then warms to about 20 degrees Fahrenheit above the surrounding temperature, followed by the release of its signature scent.
Uncovering the Molecular Recipe
Through RNA analysis of nine tissue samples collected over three nights, researchers identified increased activity in genes associated with heat production and sulfur metabolism during blooming. They then used mass spectrometry to track the chemical changes occurring in the plant.
The analysis revealed high levels of methionine, a sulfur-containing amino acid that produces pungent odors when heated. Surprisingly, they also discovered elevated levels of putrescine, a chemical found in decomposing animals, adding a new component to our understanding of the flower’s complex scent.
Glossary
- Thermogenesis: The ability to generate heat, rare in plants
- RNA: Genetic material that helps control cell activity
- Mass spectrometry: A technique for identifying chemical compounds
- Amino acids: Molecular building blocks of proteins
Quiz
- How much does the corpse flower’s temperature rise when blooming?
Answer: Up to 20 degrees Fahrenheit above ambient temperature - How often does a corpse flower typically bloom?
Answer: Every 5-7 years - What newly identified chemical contributes to the flower’s smell?
Answer: Putrescine - How tall can the spadix grow?
Answer: Up to 12 feet
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