Is capture mechanism in Palaeotropical pitcher plants ( Nepenthaceae ) constrained by climate?
The current study is the first to demonstrate that the prey capture mechanism in a carnivorous plant is constrained by climate. Nepenthes species employing peristome-based and viscoelastic fluid-based capture are largely restricted to perhumid regions; in contrast, the wax-based mechanism allows successful capture in both perhumid and more seasonal areas. Possible reasons for the maintenance of peristome-based and viscoelastic fluid-based capture mechanisms in Nepenthes are discussed in relation to the costs and benefits associated with a given prey capture strategy.
We conclude that the persistence of antibodies against mitochondrial components, and anti-Sp100 and anti-gp210 in primary biliary cirrhosis patients after liver transplantation is disease specific, but that this does not reflect recurrent disease activity in the graft.