Light, conventional and environmental scanning electron microscopy of the trichomes of Cucurbita pepo subsp. pepo var. styriaca and histochemistry of glandular secretory products

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: In the present study, the differences between glandular and non-glandular trichomes, the secretory process and the method of secretion were studied. Previous studies on leaves of Styrian oil pumpkin (Cucurbia pepo var. styriaca) plants have shown that four morphologically and ontogenetically independent glandular and non-glandular trichome types and one bristle hair type can be distinguished. The four types of trichomes can be categorized into three glandular trichome types: type I, a short-stalked trichome with four head cells including a 'middle-cell', two stalk cells and one basal cell; type II, a long-stalked trichome with two head cells, a 'neck-cell' region and a long stalk area; type IV, a 'stipitate-capitate' trichome with a mesophyll cell basement, a short stalk and a multicellular head; type III, a non-glandular 'columnar-digit' trichome, which consists of two head cells continuous with three-celled stalk, and the basal cell. METHODS: The histochemical studies (the main classes of metabolite in secreted material of glandular trichomes) were conducted in fresh and fixed hand sections, using the following tests: Sudan black B, Nile blue A, osmium tetroxide, neutral red, Naturstoffreagent A, FSA (fuchsin-safranin-astra blue), NADI (naphthol + dimethylparaphenylenediamine) and ruthenium red. Each suggested differences in the intercalations during the ontogenetical development of each trichome during the development stage. KEY RESULTS: The histochemical reactions revealed the main components of the materials secreted by all types of trichomes, which include lipids, flavones and terpenes and the different cell wall compositions. Glandular secretions were observed during environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM) and the trichomes compared with those seen by conventional scanning electron microscopy (CSEM). CONCLUSIONS: Scanning electron microscopy and histochemical analysis demonstrated that each of the trichomes studied produced and released secretory products in a characteristic way.     

龙葵腺毛发育的细胞学研究

利用光学显微镜、扫描电镜和透射电镜技术,观察了龙葵“四叶一心”期时叶片及茎表皮的腺毛的种类、分布,探究了不同类型腺毛的起源、生长、成熟、分泌、衰老等发育过程的细胞学特征;通过组织化学染色和荧光显微技术,观察了龙葵腺毛成分、分布,为龙葵的进一步开发利用提供参考。结果表明：（1）龙葵腺毛分为单细胞头腺毛和多细胞头腺毛两类,前者主要分布于茎表面和叶上下表皮,后者主要分布于茎表面的单细胞头腺毛之间、叶脉及叶边缘;（2）龙葵腺毛发育起始于表皮细胞突起,单细胞头腺毛行顶端生长,具1-4个柄细胞,四种类型;多细胞头腺毛可再分为一层、两层与三层多细胞头腺毛,另具三种特殊类型;（3）龙葵成熟腺毛具分泌能力,通过皮下空间的物质积累导致腺毛头细胞表面形成突起、包块、破口,最终释放分泌物;而头细胞与柄细胞随即皱缩、衰老。（4）超微结构显示,腺毛头细胞中内质网与高尔基体极为丰富,合成代谢及分泌活动活跃,产生大量包裹嗜锇物质的囊泡,囊泡与细胞壁融合,进而将嗜锇物质转移至细胞壁并积累,随后储存在角质层下的皮下空间直至分泌释放;（5）组织化学染色结果表明,腺毛含有萜类、生物碱、脂类、蛋白质、酚类和多糖。头细胞中主要含有萜类、生物碱、脂类、蛋白质、酚类和中性多糖;柄细胞中主要含有萜类、生物碱、脂类。     

甘草腺毛的形态发生和组织化学研究

利用扫描电镜及薄切片技术对甘草的腺毛形态发生和发育过程进行了观察,并对腺毛发育过程中黄酮类成分积累进行了组织化学定位研究。结果表明：甘草腺毛为多细胞构成的盾状腺毛,有长柄和短柄2种类型;前者主要分布在花萼片上,而后者主要分布于叶片上。组化鉴定结果显示：腺毛中存在着黄酮类成分、其他亲脂类和非纤维素多糖类成分;在腺毛的发育过程中,黄酮类物质是随腺毛的发育成熟,在头部盘状结构的分泌细胞及角质层下腔中积累。研究结果对进一步探讨甘草叶中黄酮类成分的合成及其作用提供科学依据。     

The vacuolar-tubular continuum in living trichomes of chickpea (Cicer arietinum) provides a rapid means of solute delivery from base to tip

Summary A vacuolar continuum exists from base to tip in the secretory trichomes of chickpea (Cicer arietinum). This continuum is seen in living trichomes which have been labeled with Lucifer yellow CH and examined with confocal microscopy. It encompasses the large vacuole of the lower stalk cell, the vacuoles and tubules of the central stalk cell, the thin tubules of the upper stalk cell, and the tubules and vacuoles of the secretory head cells. The vacuolar-tubular system is structurally distinct within each cell, forming a gradient of large vacuoles in the lower stalk cell, thick tubules in the central stalk cell, and thin anastamozing tubules in the upper stalk cell. This membrane system appears to be continuous between trichome cells, as thin tubules emanate from plasmodesmata between stalk cells and between the upper stalk and lower head cell. In the upper stalk cell, the thin tubules of this continuum are streaming up and down the long axis of the cell at 0.67 m/s. The larger vacuolar-tubular system in the central and lower stalk cells is also slowly moving, with apparent peristalsis occurring in the central cell. The vacuolar-tubular system of the secretory head cells is completely labeled with Lucifer yellow when the dye has only partly diffused up the long walls of the trichome, indicating that the streaming tubular system delivers solute through the stalk cells to the secretory head cells faster than diffusion through the trichome walls. In the lower head cells, tubules emanate from the plasmodesmata connecting to the upper stalk cell, and these tubules are continuous with the head cell vacuoles. In addition, another layer of thin tubules forms along the edges of the secretory head cells, at the site of exocytotic secretion. We propose that the continuous vacuolar-tubular system in these trichomes functions to rapidly deliver solute from the base of the trichome to the secretory head cells. This system provides a pathway for the transport of secretory material.Dedicated to Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Eberhard Schnepf on the occasion of his retirement     

线纹香茶菜叶上腺毛发育的细胞学研究

为进行中药溪黄草基原植物的品种鉴定,采用光镜和电镜对线纹香茶菜(原变种)[Isodon lophanthoides var.lophanthoides]叶上腺毛的发育进行细胞学研究。结果表明,线纹香茶菜具有头状腺毛和盾状腺毛2种类型。头状腺毛无色透明,由1个基细胞、1个柄细胞和1或2个头部分泌细胞构成;盾状腺毛为红色,由1或2个基细胞、1个柄细胞和4~8个分泌细胞构成头部。2种腺毛均由原表皮细胞经两次平周分裂形成,后因柄细胞和头部细胞所处的分化状态不同而形成两类腺毛。2种腺毛超微结构表明,质体、高尔基体和粗面内质网为主要分泌物产生和运输的细胞器。当盾状腺毛成熟时,角质层下间隙充满了分泌物,其分泌物的性质很可能决定了线纹香茶菜腺毛的颜色。     

Glandular Trichomes ofCalceolaria adscendensLidl. (Scrophulariaceae): Histochemistry,Development and Ultrastructure

This paper reports the results of a study of the morphology and development of glandular trichomes in leaves ofCalceolaria adscendensLidl. using light and electron microscopy. Secretory trichomes started as outgrowths of epidermal cells; subsequent divisions gave rise to trichomes made up of a basal epidermal cell, a stalk cell and a two-celled secretory head. Ultrastructural characteristics of trichome cells were typical of terpene-producing structures. Previous phytochemical studies had revealed thatC. adscendensproduces diterpenes. Comparison withC. volckmanni,which produces triterpenes, and has trichomes with eight-celled secretory heads, suggests that there could be a relationship between the type of glandular trichome and the class of terpene produced. Further work is needed to test the hypothesis and to develop trichome characters as taxonomic tools.     

ULTRASTRUCTURE OF GLANDULAR TRICHOMES OF LEAVES OF NICOTIANA TABACUM L., cv XANTHI

Electron microscopy confirms previous light microscope observations that tobacco leaf trichomes are glandular and that there are two different types. Both the tall trichome (multicellular stalk, unicellular or multicellular head) and the short trichome (unicellular stalk; multicellular head) exhibit characteristics common to gland cells—a dense cytoplasm, numerous mitochondria, and little vacuolation. The tall trichome contains structurally well developed chloroplasts and an elaborate network of endoplasmic reticulum. The short trichome contains undifferentiated plastids and endoplasmic reticulum which parallels the nucleus and plasmalemma. Few dictyosomes are seen either in the short trichome or in the tall trichome. The short trichome appears to undergo structural changes concurrently with the appearance of secretory product within the cells. The most noticeable change is the formation of the extraplasmic space between the cell wall and the plasmalemma. Electron dense secretory product is observed between the plasmalemma and the cell wall and within the intercellular spaces.     

Foliar secretory trichomes of Ocimum obovatum (Lamiaceae): micromorphological structure and histochemistry

This study characterises the micromorphology, ultrastructure and main chemical constituents of the foliar glandular trichomes of Ocimum obovatum using light and electron microscopy and a variety of histochemical tests. Two types of glandular trichomes occur on the leaves: large peltate and small capitate. The head of each peltate trichome is made up of four broad head cells in one layer. The head of each capitate trichome is composed of two broad head cells in one layer (type I) or a single oval head cell (type II, rare). In peltate heads, secretory materials are gradually transported to the subcuticular space via fracture in the four sutures at the connecting walls of the head cells. Release to the head periphery occurs through opposite fracture in the four sutures in the head cuticle. In type I capitate trichomes, release of the secretions to the subcuticular space occurs via a pore between the two head cells, and release to the head periphery occurs through the opposite pore in the head cuticle. In type II capitate trichomes, the secreted material is released from the head cell through a ruptured particular squared area at the central part of the head cuticle. These secretion modes are reported for the first time in the family Lamiaceae. Histochemical tests showed that the secretory materials in the glandular trichomes are mainly essential oils, lipophilic substances and polysaccharides. Large peltate trichomes contain a large quantity of these substances than the small capitate trichomes. Ultrastructural evidence suggests that the plastids produce numerous lipid droplets, and the numerous polysaccharide small vesicles are derived from Golgi bodies.     

The Ultrastructure of the Glandular Trichomes of Solanum tuberosum

The potato plant has two types of glandular trichomes whichwere investigated by electron microscopy. One type has a eight celled globular head on a neck cell anda stalk cell Each glandular cell has many rather large vacuoles,a large nucleus, many ribosomes and mitochondria, a few Golgibodies, and darkly coloured, often irregular plastids (chloroplasts).The plastids are mostly located near the axial cell wall borderinga large central intercellular space filled with secretion materialThe plastids are assumed to participate in the formation ofthe secretion material, which reacts positively to esterasetests. The outer wall is covered by a thin cuticle. The other type has a club-shaped multicellular head on a singlestalk cell. The cytoplasmic features in the cells are similarto those of the globular-headed trichome, except that they possesslarge central vacuoles and randomly distributed plastids. Centricendoplasmic reticulum has been observed in young cells. Intercellularspaces develop between the cells and into the outer wall, whichis thus split into two. Whereas the older glandular cells reactpositively to tests for esterase, the secretion material itselfis pectinaceous and reacts negatively. The outer wall is cutinizedand covered by a cuticle. Solanum tuberosum L., potato, glandular trichomes, ultrastructure     

Ontogeny resolves gland classification in two caesalpinoid legumes

Robust glandular appendages are reported in legumes of the Caesalpinieae tribe. Most studies only attempt to describe the external morphology of these structures, without providing a distinction between glandular trichomes and emergences. This study employed ontogeny to resolve the terminology of these structures present in flowers of two tropical woody legumes of Caesalpinieae, Erythrostemon gilliesii and Poincianella pluviosa, through surface, anatomical and ultrastructural analyses. Flowers of both species exhibit branched and non-branched glandular trichomes since these structures originate from a single protodermal cell. Non-branched glandular trichomes occur on the inflorescence axis, pedicel, sepals and ovary; in P. pluviosa, they also occur in the unguicle of wings and standard, filaments, anthers and style. This type of trichome shows a non-secretory multiseriate stalk and a secretory multicellular head. Branched glandular trichomes, with similar morphology but exhibiting non-secretory branches, occur in the inflorescence axis, pedicel and sepals; in P. pluviosa, they also occur in the unguicle of wings. During the secretory phase, the trichome head cells have large nuclei, cytoplasm rich in vacuoles, oleoplasts, mitochondria, rough endoplasmic reticulum and free ribosomes. The content is released in the intercellular spaces of the head in a merocrinous mechanism and reaches the surface through cuticle rupture. We emphasized the importance of ontogenetic studies to clarify the terminology of secretory structures. This type of study should be performed in other caesalpinoids so that such robust glandular appendages can be correctly interpreted and used with phylogenetic value in the group.     

The Ultrastructure of Glandular Trichomes ofPhillyrea latifoliaL. (Oleaceae) Leaves

The anatomy and ultrastructure of glandular trichomes at differentdevelopmental stages were investigated inPhillyrea latifoliaL.leaves by transmission electron microscopy and histochemicaltechniques. The trichome consisted of a multicellular secretoryhead, a unicellular stalk and a collecting cell surrounded byepidermal cells and spongy mesophyll cells. There were numerousplasmodesmata across the cell walls of trichome cells, and especiallybetween the stalk cell and the collecting cell. The collectingcell and stalk cell contained few chloroplasts. Mitochondria,elements of the endoplasmic reticulum and small vacuoles wereabundant in the secretory cells. Crystals were present in thesecretory cells and the collecting cell, especially at the matureand senescent stages of trichome development. As the cuticle,which covered the secretory cells, did not show pores or perforations,it is proposed that secretion occurred by accumulation of productsin subcuticular spaces followed by diffusion through the cuticle.Callose accumulation was observed between the stalk cell andthe collecting cell of senescent trichomes, especially in salt-treatedplants. Trichome ontogeny was accelerated in salt-treated plants.Copyright1998 Annals of Botany Company Cuticle;Phillyrea latifolia; secretion; transmission electron microscopy; trichome development.     

Development of peltate glandular trichomes of peppermint

Cryofixation and conventional chemical fixation methods were employed to examine the ultrastructure of developing peltate glandular trichomes of peppermint (Mentha x piperita). Our results are discussed in relation to monoterpene production and the mechanism of essential oil secretion. Peltate glands arise as epidermal protuberances (initials) that divide asymmetrically to produce a vacuolate basal cell, a stalk cell, and a cytoplasmically dense apical cell. Further divisions of the apical cell produce a peltate trichome with one basal cell, one stalk cell, and eight glandular (secretory) disc cells. Presecretory gland cells resemble meristematic cells because they contain proplastids, small vacuoles, and large nuclei. The secretory phase coincides with the separation and filling of the sub-cuticular oil storage space, the maturation of glandular disc cell leucoplasts in which monoterpene biosynthesis is known to be initiated, and the formation of extensive smooth endoplasmic reticulum at which hydroxylation steps of the monoterpene biosynthetic pathway occur. The smooth endoplasmic reticulum of the secretory cells appears to form associations with both the leucoplasts and the plasma membrane bordering the sub-cuticular oil storage cavity, often contains densely staining material, and may be involved with the transport of the monoterpene-rich secretion product. Associated changes in the ultrastructure of the secretory stage stalk cell are also described, as is the ultrastructure of the fragile post-secretory gland for which cryofixation methods are particularly well suited for the preservation of organizational integrity.     

ENDOCYTOSIS OF LANTHANUM NITRATE IN THE ORGANIC ACID-SECRETING TRICHOMES OF CHICKPEA (CICER ARIETINUM L.)

The organic acid-secreting trichomes of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) were exposed to 2.5 mm lanthanum nitrate for 24 hr, and this concentration did not inhibit trichome secretion compared with that of controls. We subsequently used this nontoxic concentration of lanthanum to examine endocytosis. In the stalk cells of these secretory trichomes, exogenously applied lanthanum nitrate was present in cell walls and vacuoles, as well as within both invaginations in the plasma membrane and vesicles in the peripheral cytoplasm between the plasma membrane and the tonoplast. In the head cells, lanthanum nitrate was present in cell walls and in vesicles that form a layer in the cytoplasm around the edge of the head cells, but was not present in vacuoles. We propose that fluid phase endocytosis targeted to the vacuole takes place in the stalk cells and that endocytosis occurs in the head cells to remove excess plasma membrane after the fusion of secretory vesicles with the plasma membrane. This is the first demonstration of endocytosis in secretory trichomes.     

Glandular trichomes of Humulus lupulus var. Brewer's Gold: Ontogeny and histochemical characterization of the secretion

Leaves of Humulus lupulus possess two types of glandular trichomes: - peltate (lupulin) and bulbous.
Peltate trichomes are formed from a protodermal cell by two anticlinal divisions in perpendicular planes, followed by two periclinal ones that give rise to the initials of the head cells, the basal and the stalk cells. Head cells divide successively in radial and irregular planes. Fully developed peltate trichomes are built of a glandular head consisting of 30 to 72 cells, four stalk cells and four basal cells.
Bulbous trichomes are also formed from a protodermal cell by an anticlinal division followed by two periclinal ones that produce the initials of the glandular head cells, and the basal and stalk cells. Fully developed bulbous trichomes consist of four (occasionally eight) head glandular cells, two stalk cells and two basal cells.
The density of peltate trichomes decreases with the expansion of the leaves.
Both peltate and bulbous trichomes secrete essential oils. Peltate trichomes are the preferential site for the synthesis of bitter resins. Tannic acids could not be detected histochemically either in peltate or in bulbous trichomes. Both types of trichomes produce secretion that accumulates in the subcuticular space, being released, in the case of bulbous trichomes, by rupture of the cuticle.     

Sideritis syriaca ssp. syriaca: Glandular trichome structure and development in relation to systematics

Sideritis syriaca ssp. syriaca is a taxon with a low essential oil content. Its leaves bear glandular trichomes of two types: long hairs with a 4-celled head, a 4-celled stalk and a 4-celled foot (reported for the first time in Lamiaceae) and short hairs with a 4–celled head, a unicellular stalk and a unicellular foot. The second type is considered intermediate between the capitate and peltate hairs, common in Lamiaceae, but found in S. syriaca ssp. syriaca. The ontogeny of the trichome types is described. The possible significance of the glandular trichome structure to Lamiaceae systematics is further discussed.     

Structural and Histochemical Investigation of the Glandular Trichomes of Salvia aurea L. Leaves, and Chemical Analysis of the Essential Oil

Anatomical and histological investigations of the secretoryhairs ofSalvia aurea leaves, and identification of the maincomponents of the essential oil were carried out. Two typesof glandular trichome were found: peltate glands, characterizedby a short stalk and a large six to eight-celled head, and capitatetrichomes which were further subdivided into two kinds, thefirst with a short monocellular stalk and two-cellular head(type I), and the second with a multicellular stalk, a neckcell and a small globose unicellular head (type II). Whereaspeltate glands and type I capitate trichomes were always present,type II capitate glands were not found in all leaf samples.The histochemical study suggested an ‘endodermal’role for the stalk cell (peltate and capitate type I) as wellas for the neck cell (capitate type II), preventing the lossof essential oil. Histological reactions also revealed the complexnature of the material secreted by all types ofS. aurea trichome,including polysaccharides, polyphenols and proteins, in additionto the essential oil. Qualitative and quantitative GC-MS analysisof the essential oil revealed camphor to be the main constituent.The findings are discussed in relation to studies of trichomesfrom other members of the Lamiaceae. Salvia aurea L.; glandular trichomes; histochemistry; essential oil     

Glandular trichomes of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Tussilago Farfara</Emphasis> (Senecioneae,Asteraceae)

Main conclusion

The glandular trichomes are developed on the aerial organs of Tussilago farfara ; they produce phenols and terpenoids. Smooth endoplasmic reticulum and leucoplasts are the main organelles of the trichome secretory cells. The aim of this study was to characterise the morphology, anatomy, histochemistry and ultrastructure of the trichomes in Tussilago farfara as well as to identify composition of the secretory products. Structure of trichomes located on the peduncles, bracts, phyllaries, and leaves were studied by light and electron microscopy. The capitate glandular trichomes consist of a multicellular head and a biseriate long stalk. Histochemical tests and fluorescence microscopy reveal phenols and terpenoids in the head cells. During secretory stage, the head cells contain smooth and rough endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, diversiform leucoplasts with opaque contents in lamellae, chloroplasts, mitochondria, and microbodies. In the capitate glandular trichomes of T. farfara subcuticular cavity is absent, unlike glandular trichomes in other Asteraceae species. For the first time, content of metabolites in the different vegetative and reproductive organs as well as in the isolated capitate glandular trichomes was identified by GC–MS. Forty-five compounds, including organic acids, sugars, polyols, phenolics, and terpenoids were identified. It appeared that metabolite content in the methanol extracts from peduncles, bracts and phyllaries is biochemically analogous, and similar to the metabolites from leaves, in which photosynthesis happens. At the same time, the metabolites from trichome extracts essentially differ and refer to the above-mentioned secondary substances. The study has shown that the practical value of the aerial organs of coltsfoot is provided with flavonoids produced in the capitate glandular trichomes.

     

Development and morphology of secretory trichomes of Calceolaria volckmanni (Scrophulariaceae)

The development and morphology of secretory trichomes of Calceolaria volckmanni was examined with light and electron microscopy. The formation and development of the glandular trichomes began with the outgrowth of a single epidermal cell which progressively increased in height and evolved into a pear-shaped cell. Subsequent divisions generated a mature trichome formed by a basal cell, a stalk "endodermal" cell and an 8-celled glandular head. Histochemical tests revealed the lipophilic nature of the secretion, the presence of terpenes and flavonoids, and displayed a particular cutinization of the walls of the stalk cell. The observed ultrastructural features of the lipophilic glandular hairs suggested the function of plastids in the secretory process.     

Leaf glandular trichomes in Empetrum nigrum: morphology,histochemistry, ultrastructure and secondary metabolites

The morphology, histochemistry and ultrastructure of the glandular trichomes on Empetrumnigrum leaves have been studied and more than a third of the metabolites were identified. Samples of the leaves were fixed and processed for light and electron microscopy. Glandular trichomes are situated on the inner surface of the rolled leaves. They have a clavate head and a short stalk. Histochemical tests and fluorescent microscopy demonstrate differentiated staining of the various cell types in the glandular trichome for proteins, pectins, lipids, tannins and phenylpropanoids. During secretion, the secretory cells contain rough and smooth endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi stacks with large vesicles, diversiform leucoplasts in contact with a reticular sheath and opaque deposits in the vacuoles. There are ultrastructural and functional differences between the secretory cells in the trichome head: synthesis of hydrophilic substances predominately occurs in the upper and middle secretory cells, whereas synthesis of lipophilic compounds takes place in the middle and lower secretory cells. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry was used to determine the content of metabolites in the methanol extracts from the leaves. Many phenolic compounds (phenolic acids, bibenzyls, catechins, flavanones and flavan‐3‐ols) as well as several terpenoids were found. Two chalcones (2′,4′‐dimethoxydihydrochalcone and 2′,4′,6′‐trihydroxydihydrochalcone), one bibenzyl (batatasin III), one flavanone (7‐hydroxyflavanone) and 8 terpenoids (including phytol, α‐tocopherol, ß‐sitosterol, α‐amyrin, uvaol, oleanolic acid, ursolic acid and dehydroursolic acid) were identified in E. nigrum leaf extracts. The total yield of phenolic compounds is five to six times higher than the yield of terpenoids. It has been established that chalcones have no hydroxyl groups in ring B whereas bibenzyls have a hydroxyl group in the 3‐position in ring B. On the basis of the histochemistry, fluorescent microscopy, ultrastructure and chemical analysis, it may be concluded that synthesis and accumulation of phenolic substances and terpenoids takes place in the clavate glandular trichomes. Secondary metabolites synthesized in the trichomes protect leaf tissues from viruses, bacteria and pathogenic fungi.     

Development of trichomes in the Abutilon nectary gland

Nectary trichomes of Abutilon striatum var. thompsonii arise by sequential periclinal divisions of outpushings from epidermal cells so producing trichomes that, when mature, are about 12 cells long. All epidermal cells within the nectary undergo this transformation. Later, anticlinal divisions lead to a multiseriate lower part of the trichome. The original epidermal cell becomes the basal cell which increases substantially in volume during development, thus leading to lateral separation of the trichomes. Above the basal cell is the stalk cell which develops an apoplastic barrier in its anticlinal (outer) wall. Secretion ultimately takes place from a capitate tip cell. An initially very thin cuticular layer, which overlies the whole trichome, eventually becomes as thick as the cell wall itself (approx. 0.4 μm). The pre-secretory hairs contain numerous small, condensed mitochondria; poorly differentiated plastids; dictyosomes with coated vesicles; small vacuoles; and a large amount of smooth endoplasmic reticulum ("secretory reticulum") which contrasts with the rough endoplasmic reticulum seen during earlier developmental stages. As secretion proceeds, vacuolation becomes more extensive. Plasmodesmata are present between all the cells of the trichome and diminish in frequency from about 12.0 μm^-2 in the stalk cell to about 4.0 μm^-2 in the apical cells. This variation in plasmodesmatal frequency along the trichome is seen at all stages of development. The ultrastructural evidence would be consistent with the hypothesis that the pre-nectar flows through the plasmodesmata from cell to cell, is loaded into a "secretory compartment", and is then unloaded into the apoplast from all cells of the trichome distal to the stalk cell.