# data[].attributes.body
As your municipality supports a huge number of fauna and flora biodiversity, it is indeed important for one to be well aware of the status of even a few of the species that are abundant and thriving in the place, most especially those of high economic value and importance. For the past few years, there have been a lot of changes that occurred--- some plant species were successfully conserved, while a few continued to become vulnerable. With this, we, as Biology students, are challenging each and everyone to start a movement by maintaining conservation efforts. Communicate, cooperate with, and support our local researchers. Plant, conserve, and preserve biodiversity.

# data[].attributes.body
Here in the table is the summary of the influence and function of the mentioned genes in this patterning:

# data[].attributes.body
There are different gene expressions and hormones that were thought of, and tested to contribute to this development. To make this discussion more visually understandable, here are some of the possible genes and hormones that may play an influence on said phenomenon.

# data[].attributes.body
In this figure, we can see the development of the apical-basal pattern during embryogenesis of Arabidopsis. In A, the zygote undergoes asymmetrical division resulting in apical (ac), and basal (bc) daughter cells. B represents the octant stage, where the proembryo (proE)from apical cell, as well as hypophysis (h) and suspensor (su) derived from the basal cell will be produced. The next stage is the dermatogen stage, where three embryo regions are stated (A, B, and C or central). D will be the heart stage where the basic body organization is in place (.SM, shoot meristem; CO, cotyledon primordia; RM, root meristem; E, epidermis; G, ground tissue; V, vascular primordium). And lastly, E will be the seedling, consisting now of the root and hypocotyl as well.

# data[].attributes.body
This part of the journey is actually the most complex among all we have tackled so far. But as your plant biology tour-guide, we will do our best to cater you with the best yet simplest explanation of how things work in the world of plants!

For this section, we will be summarizing the establishment of apical-basal and radial axis featuring a study by Jurgens (2001).

# data[].attributes.body
Now, relating these to the embryogenesis of the two, we can see in the figure a comparison of Arabidopsis thaliana, a dicot plant, and monocot Graminae, in terms of genome activation, paternal and maternal regulation of early zygote development, and key organizers of patterning, like auxin and WOX transcription factors. To keep it simple, here is a table showing some of the major and principal differences between the embryogenesis of the two:

# data[].attributes.body
From the names themselves, monocots are those that have only a single cotyledon, while dicots are those with two. For monocots, their pollens’ outer layer has a single furrow, the stamens and petals are in multiples of three, the leaf veins are parallel, the vascular strands are scattered in the stem, the roots are adventitious, and there is no secondary growth (wood or bark). Meanwhile, in eudicots, the two cotyledons store nutrients, hence comprising a huge portion of the seed's volume. Their pollen has three furrows, flower parts are in multiples of four or five, have branched leaf veins, vascular bundles are arranged in a cylinder, roots are formed by a radicle and taproot system, and secondary growth is usually present.

# data[].attributes.body
On the other hand, tropism is the plant’s reaction to stimuli. Plants react to various stimuli differently, eliciting either a positive (towards the stimuli) or a negative (away from the stimuli) response. The most common examples of this phenomena is the sunflower growing towards the direction of the sun (positive phototropism) or when the makahiya plant is touched, it reacts by curling into itself (negative chemotropism).

# data[].attributes.body
Seed dormancy is a protective mechanism of plants. This occurs when the environment is unfavorable and germination is prohibited to prevent the plant from dying. It is affected by multiple factors such as the temperature, light, water, gases, mechanical constrictions, or the hormones in the plant.

# data[].attributes.headline
There are phenomena that can affect seed germination. 

# data[].attributes.subject
There are phenomena that can affect seed germination. 

# data[].attributes.headline
Step 5: development of embryonic axis into seedling

# data[].attributes.subject
Step 5: development of embryonic axis into seedling

# data[].attributes.body
After the food is assimilated, the embryonic starts to develop. The embryonic axis in dicots is composed of the plumule, radicle, and hypocotyl. These will serve as the regions from where the roots, stem, and leaves will develop.

# data[].attributes.body
As plants undergo division and expansion during germination, food reserves are mobilized and converted into energy. Depending on the seed, food reserves can be stored in the endosperm (for monocots) or in the cotyledons (for dicots).

# data[].attributes.body
Seed germination is greatly affected by light. Phytochromes, which are light receptors in plants, are responsible for this event. Photomorphogenesis also depends on the plant species. Some plants only germinate when three is light while other plants germinate in the darkness, but there are also plants that are not dependent on the presence of light.

# data[].attributes.body
After being hydrolyzed, the metabolic activities of the plant resumes. Initial respiration may be anaerobic, but only until the oxygen enters the seed.

# data[].attributes.body
It occurs when the temperature is appropriate for germination. It is the uptake of water, causing the enzymes and food supplies to be hydrolyzed and ready for the production of energy. It also causes an increase in turgor pressure, which enlarges the cells.

# data[].attributes.body
Abraham, E. R. G., Gonzalez, J. C. T., Castillo, M. L., Lit Jr, I. L., & Fernando, E. S. (2010). Forest cover and biodiversity profile of the crater area of Mt. Makiling, Luzon, Philippines. Asia Life Sciences-The Asian International Journal of Life Sciences, (Suppl. 4), 49-82.

Alcala, A. A., Angeles, M. D. D., & Inocencio Jr, E. B. (2019). Fern species diversity across various land use types of Mt. Makiling, Luzon Island, Philippines. Biodiversitas Journal of Biological Diversity, 20(9).

Armenta-Medina, A., Gillmor, C. S., Gao, P., Mora-Macias, J., Kochian, L. V., Xiang, D., & Datla, R. (2020). Developmental and genomic architecture of plant embryogenesis: From model plant to crops. Plant Communications, 100136. doi:10.1016/j.xplc.2020.100136
BusinessMirror. (2019). Community seed banks create tomorrow’s biodiversity Edens. Retrieved from https://businessmirror.com.ph/2019/01/28/community-seed-banks-create-tomorrows-biodiversity-edens/.

Byju’s. (2020). Seed Definition. Retrieved from https://byjus.com/biology/seed-definition/.

Byju’s. (2021). Seed Germination. Retrieved from https://byjus.com/biology/seed-germination/.

Castillo, M. L., Castillo, L. A., Canceran, M. S., Gonzalvo, K. J. P., Barua, L. D., Alegre, A. C., ... & Bantayan, N. C. (2018). Distribution, diversity and spatial analysis of tree species in a long-term ecological research plot in Molawin-Dampalit Watershed, Mount Makiling Forest Reserve. Asian Journal of Biodiversity, 9(1).

Crop Genebank Knowledge Base. (2010). Seed bank. Retrieved from https://cropgenebank.sgrp.cgiar.org/index.php/procedures-mainmenu-242/conservation-mainmenu-198/seed-bank-mainmenu-199.

Department of Environment and Natural Resources. 2017. Updated National List of Threatened Plants. Retrieved from https://www.informea.org/sites/default/files/legislation/DENR%20Order%2011%202017%20%28Updated%20National%20List%20of%20Threatened%20Plants%20and%20their%20Categories%29.pdf

Di Mambro, R., Sabatini, S., & Dello Ioio, R. (2019). Patterning the axes: a lesson from the root. Plants, 8(1), 8.

Dyer, M. H. (2020). Growing Jade Vines: Care Of Jade Vines Indoors And Out. Retrieved from https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/jade-vine/care-of-jade-vines.

Fern, K. (2014). Aglaia edulis. Retrieved from http://tropical.theferns.info/viewtropical.php?id=Aglaia+edulis.

Fern, K. (2017). Celtis luzonica. Retrieved from http://tropical.theferns.info/viewtropical.php?id=Celtis+luzonica.

Fernando, E. S., Co, L. C., Lagunzad, D. A., Gruezo, W. S., Barcelona, J. F., Madulid, D. A., ... & Zamora, P. M. (2008). Threatened plants of the Philippines: a preliminary. Asia Life Sci, 3, 1-52.

Gallo, M. & Dohle, S. (2018). Why is it important to have seed banks and seed access? Retieved from https://sustainable-secure-food-blog.com/2018/08/07/why-is-it-important-to-have-seed-banks-and-seed-access/

Grain. (2007). A genebank in tatters. Retrieved from https://grain.org/article/entries/4203-a-genebank-in-tatters

Gilroy, S. (2008). Plant tropisms. Current Biology, 18(7), R275-R277. doi:10.1016/j.cub.2008.02.033

Grejalde, G. H. (2009). Pinoy honored in global seed vault anniversary celebration. Retrieved from https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/content/150667/pinoy-honored-in-global-seed-vault-anniversary-celebration/story/

Harada, J. J., & Kwong, R. W. (2001). Plant embryogenesis (zygotic and somatic). e LS. doi:10.1002/9780470015902.a0002042.pub2

Indiana University Bloomington. (2002). Seed germination. Retrieved from https://plantsinmotion.bio.indiana.edu/plantmotion/earlygrowth/germination/germ.html

Jürgens, G. (2001). Apical–basal pattern formation in Arabidopsis embryogenesis. The EMBO journal, 20(14), 3609-3616.

Kumar, S. (2015). Process of Seed Germination: 5 Steps (With Diagram). Retrieved from https://www.biologydiscussion.com/seed/germination/process-of-seed-germination-5-steps-with-diagram/15769.

LibreTexts. (2021). Development of the Seed. Retrieved from https://bio.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Introductory_and_General_Biology/Book%3A_General_Biology_(Boundless)/32%3A_Plant_Reproductive_Development_and_Structure/32.2%3A_Pollination_and_Fertilization/32.2E%3A_Development_of_the_Seed.

Limpiada, A. A. & Malayba, A. C. (2020). Piling Liitan is MBG’s Plant of the Month for February 2020. Retrieved from https://makiling.center/piling-liitan-is-mbgs-plant-of-the-month-for-february-2020/.

Lyngved, R. (2008). Somatic embryogenesis in Cyclamen persicum. Nordic Studies in Science Education, 5(1). doi:10.5617/nordina.341

Macandog, D. M., Paller, V. G. V., Cervancia, C. R., Buot, I. E., Raymundo, A. K., Dalmacio, I. F., ... & Fernandez, D. A. P. (2012). Biodiversity assessment of Mt. Makiling Forest Reserve [Los Baños, Laguna, Philippines].

Malabrigo Jr, P. L., Umali, A. G. A., Tiburan Jr, C. L., Pampolina, N. M., Balatibat, J. B., Tinio, C. E., ... & Boncodin, J. C. (2016). Tree diversity and stand structure of permanent biodiversity monitoring area in Mount Makiling. Asian Journal of Biodiversity, 7(1). doi:10.7828/ajob.v7i1.885

Muniz, F. R., Rodrigues, P. H. V., & da Silva, S. R. (2015). Rooting of jade vine (Strongylodon macrobotrys A. Gray) cuttings treated with indolbutiric acid. Ornamental Horticulture, 21(3), 363-367. doi:10.14295/oh.v21i3.603.

Nardmann, J., Zimmermann, R., Durantini, D., Kranz, E., & Werr, W. (2007). WOX gene phylogeny in Poaceae: a comparative approach addressing leaf and embryo development. Molecular Biology and Evolution, 24(11), 2474-2484.

NTFP-EP. (2016). Malakmalak. Retrieved from https://ntfp.org/2016/03/malakmalak/

Pelser, P. B., Nickrent, D. L., Gemmill, C. E., & Barcelona, J. F. (2017). Genetic diversity and structure in the Philippine Rafflesia lagascae complex (Rafflesiaceae) inform its taxonomic delimitation and conservation. Systematic botany, 42(3), 543-553. doi:10.1600/036364417X696186.

Plants For A Future. (2016). Shorea polysperma. Retrieved from https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Shorea+polysperma

Plants For A Future. (2017). Canarium luzonicum. Retrieved from https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Canarium+luzonicu.

PlantUse. (2017). Palaquium philippense (PROSEA). Retrieved from https://uses.plantnet-project.org/en/Palaquium_philippense_(PROSEA).

Purdue University (1998). Pterocarpus indicus Willd. Retrieved from https://hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/duke_energy/Pterocarpus_indicus.html
Sarkar, A. K., Luijten, M., Miyashima, S., Lenhard, M., Hashimoto, T., Nakajima, K., ... & Laux, T. (2007). Conserved factors regulate signalling in Arabidopsis thaliana shoot and root stem cell organizers. Nature, 446(7137), 811-814.
Securinega flexuosa. Retrieved from http://apps.worldagroforestry.org/treedb/AFTPDFS/Securinega_flexuosa.PDF

SourceTrace. (2017). WHAT ARE SEED BANKS AND WHY SHOULD SEEDS BE PRESERVED? Retrieved from https://www.sourcetrace.com/blog/seed-banks-seeds-preserved/.

Southern Illinois University. (2013). Rafflesia lagascae Blanco. Retrieved from https://parasiticplants.siu.edu/Rafflesiaceae/Raff.lagascae.page.html.

Southern Illinois University. (2013). Rafflesia manillana Teschemacher. Retrieved from https://parasiticplants.siu.edu/Rafflesiaceae/Raff.man.page.html

SproutNet. (2018). What is Seed Dormancy? Retrieved from https://sproutnet.com/seed-dormancy/.

# data[].attributes.body
Seed germination is the process wherein the seed finally grows into a plant. It involves the following steps: imbibition, respiration, photomorphogenesis, mobilization of food reserves, and the development of embryo axis into seedling. Phenomena that affect germination may also occur.

Please scroll to the right for more information. ->

# data[].attributes.body
For the radial axis pattern formation, here in this picture is the molecular mechanisms controlling radial axis patterning. This figure is a half radial section of the Arabidopsis root, and  each square represents a different tissue layer, with the central file representing the metaxylem, and the outer file representing the lateral root cap. MiR165a/6b and Class III Homeodomain Leucine Zipper III (HD-ZIPIII) are labeled in purple and green, respectively. Casparian strips are represented by blue squares on endodermal cells. The white arrow indicates the movement of SHR protein from the vascular tissue into the nucleus of an endodermal cell. The blue arrows indicate that Caspary band formation is regulated by CIF, CASP, and SGN1. SCZ promotes cortical identity, which aids in tissue fate separation (Di Mambro et al., 2019).

# data[].attributes.body
Now that we are done with the shoot, we will now be talking about the origin of primary root meristem. A refers to the dermatogen stage, while B refers to the bottom end of the heart-stage embryo. As evident, the red arrow in A represents a signal from the proembryo, which is presumed to induce the cell fate of the hypophysis (labeled in orange). For B, the quiescent centre (labeled in red) is stressed to induce stem-cell fate of cells around it. In this figure, the upper portions (labeled in colors) will yield root tissue cells, while the lower (in gray) will produce the central root cap cells.

# data[].attributes.body
This part deals with the origin of the primary shoot meristem and the shoot apical organization. Gene expressions are localized and colored. In this figure, A represents the globular embryo, while B and C refers to the transition-stage embryo, and top end of heart-stage embryo, respectively. To simplify, here is a table simplifying gene expressions and possible functions per stage.

# data[].attributes.body
Let us recall the difference between eudicots and monocots that we have learned since elementary.

# data[].attributes.body
Embryonic development in seeds usually occurs in two phases, somatic embryogenesis and zygotic embryogenesis. Somatic embryogenesis lays out the basic body plan of the plant while zygotic embryogenesis focuses on the differentiation events that lead to the maturation of the embryo. In the following sections, the discussion will focus more on the zygotic embryogenesis.

Please scroll to the right for more information. ->

# data[].attributes.body
The photos used in this padlet are taken from google or from journal articles. The credits belong to the owners.

# data[].attributes.headline
✅ VIRTUAL TOUR-GUIDE INSTRUCTION: Please SCROLL TO THE RIGHT to explore the 10 stations in our virtual trail. ->

# data[].attributes.subject
✅ VIRTUAL TOUR-GUIDE INSTRUCTION: Please SCROLL TO THE RIGHT to explore the 10 stations in our virtual trail. ->

# data[].attributes.body
The seed of a plant is a mature ovule. It contains an embryo and food preserves that is encased within a protective seed coat. It is one of the reproductive means of most plants. Under the right climatic circumstances, such as the optimum temperature, moisture, and sunlight, any seed can germinate and grow into a new plant.

# data[].attributes.headline
Became more interested in plant biology?  Well, say no more as we are here to provide you with information about some of the most important biological processes, stages, and mechanisms that a plant undergoes in order to thrive! 

# data[].attributes.subject
Became more interested in plant biology?  Well, say no more as we are here to provide you with information about some of the most important biological processes, stages, and mechanisms that a plant undergoes in order to thrive! 

# data[].attributes.body
Just a warning though: there is going to be a lot of genes and technical terms #JUSTGENES #ProPLANTITA #ProPLANTITO 🌱🌱🌱

# data[].attributes.body
Although seed banks are a recently established solution, it is actually a long-time tradition that was being done in Cordillera. The tradition is called su-ulan rice storage and was done by the people in their homes or as a community. The crops are stored in a su-ulan that were placed above a hearth to preserve the contents. Back in 2009, our country was honored during the anniversary of the Svalvard Global Seed Vault in Norway, as the highest seed donor, with a reported contribution of 70,000 different varieties of rice from 120 different countries. One of the seed banks in our country can be found in a storage facility at the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) in Los Baños, Laguna. It houses over 113,000 types of rice, which is said to be the biggest rice repository in the world. Another seed bank in our country is the National Plant Genetic Resources Laboratory, which is also found in Los Baños. It is responsible for the conservation of the genetic diversity of plants in the Philippines.

# data[].attributes.body
A seed bank is a type of gene bank. It is basically a vault that holds genetically diverse collections of various plants. The duplicates of seed samples are stored at optimal conditions that would preserve and ensure the greatest longevity of the samples. Aside from being a gene bank for plants, a seed bank also holds historical and cultural significance as it contains information on the evolutionary strategies of plants.

# data[].attributes.headline
Have you noticed that we included the conservation status of each plant? This is because we have to shed a light on these specific species due to their dwindling numbers. Species extinction is an important issue that we have to address, not only for the sake of the environment, but also for the sake of every biota residing on our planet. To combat this catastrophic event, seed banks are created.

# data[].attributes.subject
Have you noticed that we included the conservation status of each plant? This is because we have to shed a light on these specific species due to their dwindling numbers. Species extinction is an important issue that we have to address, not only for the sake of the environment, but also for the sake of every biota residing on our planet. To combat this catastrophic event, seed banks are created.

# data[].attributes.body
As it borders Mount Makiling, one of the 18 centers of plant diversity in the Philippines, it is no doubt that Los Baños is a home of several endemic and native fauna and flora species. Based on floral biodiversity surveys, it has been reported that  Mt. Makiling has served as home for 148 tree species, with 87 of them being native or indigenous, while 44 are said to be endemic (Abraham et al., 2010; Malabrigo Jr. et al., 2016; Castillo et al., 2018). There were also 101 understorey plant species, 45 pteridophytes, and 77 moss species (Macandog et al., 2012; Alcala et al., 2019). In addition, Abraham et al. (2010) have identified a total of 416 fern and flowering plants species in the crater, with 99 of these species being endemic to the country. Endangered species like the Rafflesia manillana, Medinilla magnifica, Strongylodon macrobotrys, Nepenthes alata, Begonia oxysperma, and Palaquium philippense were also observed to be thriving in the volcano’s crater area.  Indeed, it is crucial to know the context, and other necessary information that can help, not just the researchers in the area, but also the community people as well in taking care and making use of what nature has to offer to them.

With this, come and join us in this trail-inspired journey as we dive deeper to learn and discover more of the updated plant species that are native and/ or endemic in Los Baños, specifically in the wonders of Mt. Makiling!

# data[].attributes.body
Well, these splendid places and institutes are all located in a municipality in Laguna called Los Baños (spanish, “the baths”)--- a barrio of bay named as such in 1589 due to it harboring the sumptuous thermal springs flowing from the dormant volcano’s base. This municipality is situated 39 miles southeast of Manila, and has a reported 56.6 km2 of total land area. It has a tropical monsoon climate.

One of the most notable acknowledgements Los Baños has received is its title as the Special Science and Nature City of the Philippines, declared through Presidential Proclamation No. 349 on August 7, 2000, by then President Joseph Ejercity Estrada. This proclamation has recognized the town as the Philippines’ nature and science hub, since numerous and world-known research institutions contributing to knowledge for the scientific community, as well as for the agricultural sectors, are situated in the said municipality.

# data[].attributes.body
Have you ever visited, hiked, or took a bike ride on Mt. Makiling? What about taking a dip in the hot springs of the said volcano? Have you ever heard of the International Rice Research Institute, ASEAN Center for Biodiversity, Philippine Rice Research Institute, and Philippine Carabao Center?

# data[].attributes.headline
WELCOME TO OUR LITTLE NOOK OF PLANT WISDOM!!

# data[].attributes.subject
WELCOME TO OUR LITTLE NOOK OF PLANT WISDOM!!

# data[].attributes.body
Entry point
Requirements: the features of this space would best work on desktop.