October 15, 2021

Turkey Tail Journal Entry

The turkey-tail, also known as Coriolus versicolor or Polyporus versicolor, get their name from their multicoloured nature. They are often found on wood trunks and grow in many different regions around the world, including Montreal. In the past, this fungi was used as a medicinal supplement. Recently, it has gained popularity for its impacts on cancer treatment and tumor growth. In fact, in an experiment involving women with breast cancer who had undergone chemotherapy and radiotherapy, it was found that 9 grams of turkey tail per day resulted in elevated immune cells such as lymphocytes, natural killer cells, CD8+ T cells, CD19+ B cells.

Posted on October 15, 2021 02:42 AM by clairebraaten clairebraaten | 0 comments | Leave a comment

September 21, 2021

Paper Birch Journal Entry

The phylogeny of the Paper birch, also known as betula papyrifera, falls within the birch tree family of land plants. The classification of the tree is Kingdom: Plantae; Order: Fagales; Family: Betulaceae; Genus: Betula; Species: B. papyrifera.

All observed species in my group project had leaves. Leaves of different colours, shape, and texture, however each species had leaves on their branches. Leaves are important for trees because they serve as a means to collect light for photosynthesis as well as play a role in cooling, nutrient transport, and protection.

One unique adaptation of the Paper birch is the colour of its bark. The birch tree has light, papery bark in contrast to the other species in the group. This colouring is an important adaptation to rapid heating: the light bark reflects light and prevents the tree from overheating which can result in splitting of the bark.

Posted on September 21, 2021 02:51 AM by clairebraaten clairebraaten | 1 observation | 0 comments | Leave a comment

Archives