So, you think you know Morphology huh?

[Jennyfleur]

Hello OB,

This is kind of a two-part post!

Firstly, being a linguist, I've always known the term 'morphology' as it is applied to word structure (a 'morpheme' being the minimal distinctive unit of a grammar) and it's only in the last few months that I've realised that the word has biological applications as well.

Therefore, feeling that a Google search is cheating, I was wondering if someone could explain what 'Morphology' means in the context of plants?

Now, this question alone is more suited to the Orchid Lounge rather than Off The Topic, so here comes the second part of the post:

I was wondering if any of you have come across double word meanings in your interests/ line of work? or any humorous mis-interpretations/ mis-understandings from words?

(For example, when people ask what I 'do' and I say that I'm a phonologist (basically put, someone who studies the sound system of a language), the number of times they think I've said I'm a 'phrenologist' and I'm treated to questions similar to 'Oh, that's someone who feels lumps on peoples' heads right?'

[Royal]

From a biological perspective, morphology has to do with the study of form or structure of a living thing (from Greek: morphe=form and logos=study of).

Morphology is how we identify different species. It is the physical appearance. It can be as obvious as color or size, or refer to the tiniest of details like minute hairs or bumps. The morphology of an orchid flower often gives us hints about its pollinator. Observing differences in morphology is traditional method of classification of plants and animals. Morphology is everything visible about an organism.

[Brotherly Monkey]

Mathematical morphology - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

[Jennyfleur]

Originally Posted by Royal

From a biological perspective, morphology has to do with the study of form or structure of a living thing (from Greek: morphe=form and logos=study of).

Morphology is how we identify different species. It is the physical appearance. It can be as obvious as color or size, or refer to the tiniest of details like minute hairs or bumps. The morphology of an orchid flower often gives us hints about its pollinator. Observing differences in morphology is traditional method of classification of plants and animals. Morphology is everything visible about an organism.

Thanks I can't help but find this interesting!

[Jennyfleur]

Originally Posted by Brotherly Monkey

Mathematical morphology - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

That's fantastic! I was a real geek and read all of it

[zxyqu]

As an immunologist, when we discuss morphology, we are generally discussing the appearance of cells on the single cell level. What markers (proteins/carbs/others) they express on the cell surface, and how this changes in the course of infection/immunization. We can also look at the activation state or the cell to assess how it may respond to a reinfection.
Some morphologies yield better immune response and subsequent memory than others. We actually work on trying to improve immunizations such that you get the best cell morphology that yields protection against a subsequent infection.

For the potential nerd in you, here is a good review from Ton Schumacher. But you can also read stuff from E. John Wherry, Rafi Ahmed, and/or Leo Lefrancois

Mapping the life histories of T cells : Abstract : Nature Reviews Immunology

[Tindomul]

For a botanist, this would be the study of understanding and the description of all external structures of a plant. Usually structures you can see with the naked eye or with the aid of a hand lens. Botanists have a name and descriptive definition forevery kind of structure a plant might make. If you are interested in plant morphology, a great place to start would be with the book Plant Form, An Illustrated Guide to Flowering Plant Morphology, by Adrian D. Bell.

[Paul]

Having a science background, the biological meaning of morphology has been familiar to me for quite a long time. I had not, however, been familiar with its use in a mathematical context. That was interesting.

[Jennyfleur]

Thanks zxyqu, my inner nerd has been truly activated (this is one of those times I love having free access to online journals through work!!)

And thanks to Tindo as well, I'll keep an eye out for that book