Amaranthus hypochondriacus: Seed Structure and Localization of Seed Reserves

The mature seed of Amaranthus hypochondriacus L. consists ofa peripheric embryo surrounding the nutritive tissue which isthe perisperm. Endosperm remnants are close to the root tip.Cytochemical analysis revealed that the embryo and endospermcells had a quite homogenous internal organization, with proteinbodies embedded in a lipid matrix. The embryo, however, appearsvariable in tissue organisation, due to the differentiationof the three primary meristematic tissues: the procambium appearsas a single bundle in the embryonic axis or as small bundlesthroughout the cotyledons length, these provascular cells aresmall and elongated and with fewer reserves and more cellularorganelles than the large protoderm and ground meristem cells.These latter cells have more protein bodies, and they show ahigher number of larger globoid crystal inclusions than theothers. The perisperm is a starchy tissue, and its cells havethin walls and are full of angular starch grains.Copyright 1994,1999 Academic Press Amaranth, Amaranthus hypochondriacus, seed structure, seed reserves     

Seed Structure and Localization of Reserves inChenopodium quinoa

The three areas of food reserves in quinoa seeds are: a largecentral perisperm, a peripheral embryo and a one to two-celllayered endosperm surrounding the hypocotyl-radicle axis ofthe embryo. Cytochemical and ultrastructural analysis revealedthat starch grains occupy the cells of the perisperm, whilelipid bodies, protein bodies with globoid crystals of phytin,and proplastids with deposits of phytoferritin are the storagecomponents of the cells of the endosperm and embryo tissues.EDX analysis of the endosperm and embryo protein bodies revealedthat globoid crystals contain phosphorus, potassium and magnesium.These results are compared with studies on other perispermousseeds published to date.Copyright 1998 Annals of Botany Company Chenopodium quinoa,EDX analysis, phytoferritin, phytin, protein bodies, quinoa, seed structure, seed reserves, starch grains.     

Evolution and ecology of seed internal morphology in relation to germination characteristics in Amaranthaceae

Background and AimsInternal seed morphological traits such as embryo characteristics and nutritive tissue can vary considerably within a plant lineage. These traits play a prominent role in germination processes and the success of seedling establishment, and are therefore under high selective pressure, especially in environments hostile to seedlings, such as arid, saline or highly dynamic habitats. We investigated the relationships of seed internal morphology and germination characteristics of 84 species of Amaranthaceae s.l., a family with numerous lineages that have adapted to stressful growing conditions.MethodsWe used seed cross-sections to assess embryo type and the ratios of embryo to seed surface and radicle to cotyledon length. Furthermore, seed mass, mean time to germination, habitat preferences and further plant traits such as C₃ or C₄ photosynthesis and life form were compiled for each species. Data were analysed using phylogenetic comparative methods.Key resultsWe found embryo type (λ = 1), log seed mass (λ = 0.86) and the ratio of embryo to seed size (λ = 0.78) to be evolutionarily stable, with an annular embryo as ancestral in the family. Linked to shifts to the three derived embryos types (spiral, horseshoe-shaped and curved) is an increase in the ratio of root to cotyledon length and a reduction of nutritive tissue. We observed stabilizing selection towards seeds with relatively large embryos with longer radicles and less nutritive tissue that are able to germinate faster, especially in lineages with C₄ photosynthesis and/or salt tolerance.ConclusionsWe conclude that the evolutionary shift of nutrient storage from perisperm to embryo provides an ecological advantage in extreme environments, because it enables faster germination and seedling establishment. Furthermore, the evolutionary shift towards a higher ratio of root to cotyledon length especially in small-seeded Amaranthaceae growing in saline habitats can provide an ecological advantage for fast seedling establishment.     

Embryology in Trithuria submersa (Hydatellaceae) and relationships between embryo, endosperm, and perisperm in early-diverging flowering plants

? Premise of the study: Despite their highly reduced morphology, Hydatellaceae bear the unmistakable embryological signature of Nymphaeales, including a starch-rich maternal perisperm and a minute biparental endosperm and embryo. The co-occurrence of perisperm and endosperm in Nymphaeales and other lineages of flowering plants, and their respective functions during the course of seed development and embryo germination, remain enigmatic. ? Methods: Development of the embryo, endosperm, and perisperm was examined histologically from fertilization through germination in flowers and fruits of Trithuria submersa. ? Key results: The embryo of T. submersa initiates two cotyledons prior to seed maturity/dormancy, and their tips remain in contact with the endosperm throughout germination. The endosperm persists as a single layer of cells and serves as the interface between the embryo and the perisperm. The perisperm contains carbohydrates and proteins, and functions as the main storage tissue. The endosperm accumulates proteins and aleurone grains and functions as a transfer cell layer. ? Conclusions: In Nymphaeales, the multiple roles of a more typical endosperm have been separated into two different tissues and genetic entities: a maternal perisperm (nutrient acquisition, storage, mobilization) and a minute biparental endosperm (nutrient transfer to the embryo). The presence of perisperms among several other ancient lineages of angiosperms suggests a modest degree of developmental and functional lability for the nutrient storage tissue (perisperm or endosperm) within seeds during the early evolution of flowering plants. Finally, we examine the evolutionary developmental hypothesis that, contrary to longstanding assumptions, an embryo-nourishing perisperm along with a minute endosperm may represent the plesiomorphic condition for flowering plants.     

芡实种子萌发期的生物学特性与结构解剖

本文描述了芡实种子的结构,种子的萌发和幼苗的形态特征。成熟种子必须置于水中保存,以增大胚体,并完成后熟作用。外胚乳是种子萌发和幼苗生长的主要营养来源。萌发后在子叶叶柄基部外侧形成的突起结构可能起固着作用。     

Seed ultrastructure and water absorption pathway of the root-parasitic plant Phelipanche aegyptiaca (Orobanchaceae)

Background and Aims

Obligate root parasitic plants of the Orobanchaceae do not germinate unless they chemically detect a host plant nearby. Members of this family, like Orobanche, Phelipanche and Striga, are noxious weeds that cause heavy damage to agriculture. In spite of their economic impact, only a few light microscopical studies of their minute seeds have been published, and there is no knowledge of their ultrastructure and of the role each tissue plays during the steps preceding germination. This paper describes the ultrastructure of Phelipanche seeds and contributes to our understanding of seed tissue function.

Methods

Seeds of P. aegyptiaca were examined under light, scanning electron, transmission electron and fluorescence microscopy following various fixations and staining protocols. The results were interpreted with physiological data regarding mode of water absorption and germination stimulation.

Key Results and Conclusions

The endothelium, which is the inner layer of the testa, rapidly absorbs water. Its interconnected cells are filled with mucilage and contain labyrinthine walls, facilitating water accumulation for germination that starts after receiving germination stimuli. Swelling of the endothelium leads to opening of the micropyle. The perisperm cells underneath this opening mediate between the rhizosphere and the embryo and are likely to be the location for the receptors of germination stimuli. The other perisperm cells are loaded with lipids and protein bodies, as are the endosperm and parts of the embryo. In the endosperm, the oil bodies fuse with each other while they are intact in the embryo and perisperm. Plasmodesmata connect the perisperm cells to each other, and the cells near the micropyle tightly surround the emerging seedling. These perisperm cells, and also the proximal embryo cells, have dense cytoplasmic contents, and they seem to represent the two seed components that are actively involved in transfer of reserve nutrients to the developing seedling during germination.     

Degradation of Protein Bodies in Germinating Seeds of Brassica campestris L. var. sarson Prain

Histochemical investigations were carried out on dry and germinatingseeds of Brassica campestris var. sarson, to study the degradationof protein bodies with globoidal inclusions. During germination,a wave of protein body degradation sets in from the radicularend of the embryo, passing through the hypocotyl and shoot apex,and ending in the cotyledons. The digestion of protein bodiesis of the internal type. The various isolated parts of the embryoshowed a similar pattern of protein body digestion to that ofthe whole embryo, except that in some cells the globoids persistedeven after complete digestion of protein bodies; the rate wasfaster in the comparatively more expanded part of the isolatedorgans. No specific factor controlling the initiation of thewave of protein body digestion could be ascertained. Brassica campestris var. sarson, yellow sarson, seed, germination, protein bodies, degradation     

Mobilisation of storage reserves during germination and early seedling growth of sugar beet

The principal storage reserve of sugar beet seeds is starch, which is localised in the perisperm. Additional storage reserves include the seed proteins, albumins, globulins and glutclins, which are exclusively located in the embryo. Soluble sugars are also detectable in all the organs of the mature seed. The time-course of reserve mobilisation in the different organs of the sugar beet ( Beta vulgaris L. cv. Regina) seed during germination and early seedling growth is documented, with particular reference to changes in (a) activities of hydrolases: a-amylase, β-amylase, and α-glucosidases; (b) levels of carbohydrates and (c) proteins. Amylase activities increase substantially in both cotyledons, as well as the perisperm, whereas the increase in α-glucosidase activities is largely confined to the perisperm.     

Seed Nutrient Reserves of Proteaceae with Special Reference to Protein Bodies and their Inclusions

The storage reserves of seeds of a wide taxonomic range of Proteaceaewere examined by chemical analyses for macronutrients, proteinand non-protein-N composition, by light microscopy of cotyledonarytissue for morphological and histochemical study of proteinbodies and their inclusions, and by X-ray point microanalysisfor determining the elemental composition of the various typesof inclusions. The 70 species from 30 genera showed higher levelsof N, P and Mg but not of Ca and K in seed dry matter in comparisonwith a similarly sized sample of non-proteaceous species. Small-seededProteaceae tended to have seed dry matter significantly moreenriched with minerals than large-seeded species. Protein levelsranged from 18 to 89 per cent of embryo dry weight (mean for32 species 39.5 per cent). Protein and ethanol soluble N fractionsof many species were exceptionally rich in arginine. Oil wasabundant in most species, starch universally absent. Seven typesof protein body inclusions were identified on the basis of size,shape and reaction to toluidine blue. Mineral composition ofthe inclusions differed significantly, particularly in ratiosof Ca to P and of P to S and Mg. All genera and certain speciescould be distinguished one from another on the basis of distributionand frequency of inclusion types within tissues of the cotyledonsand staining patterns of protein bodies to amido black. Thetaxonomic significance of the data is evaluated. Seed reserves, Proteaceae, protein bodies, protein body inclusions, mineral composition, taxonomy     

Water Relations of Seed Development and Germination in Muskmelon (Cucumis melo L.) : IV. Characteristics of the Perisperm during Seed Development

We previously reported that an apparent water potential disequilibrium is maintained late in muskmelon (Cucumis melo L.) seed development between the embryo and the surrounding fruit tissue (mesocarp). To further investigate the basis of this phenomenon, the permeability characteristics of the tissues surrounding muskmelon embryos (the mucilaginous endocarp, the testa, a 2- to 4-cell-layered perisperm and a single cell layer of endosperm) were examined from 20 to 65 days after anthesis (DAA). Water passes readily through the perisperm envelope (endosperm + perisperm), testa, and endocarp at all stages of development. Electrolyte leakage (conductivity of imbibition solutions) of individual intact seeds, decoated seeds (testa removed), and embryos (testa and perisperm envelope removed) was measured during imbibition of freshly harvested seeds. The testa accounted for up to 80% of the total electrolyte leakage. Leakage from decoated seeds fell by 8- to 10-fold between 25 and 45 DAA. Presence of the perisperm envelope prior to 40 DAA had little effect on leakage, while in more mature seeds, it reduced leakage by 2- to 3-fold. In mature seeds, freezing, soaking in methanol, autoclaving, accelerated aging, and other treatments which killed the embryos had little effect on leakage of intact or decoated seeds, but caused osmotic swelling of the perisperm envelope due to the leakage of solutes from the embryo into the space between the embryo and perisperm. The semipermeability of the perisperm envelope of mature seeds did not depend upon cellular viability or lipid membrane integrity. After maximum seed dry weight is attained (35-40 DAA), the perisperm envelope prevents the diffusion of solutes, but not of water, between the embryo and the surrounding testa, endocarp, and mesocarp tissue.     

番茄种子及萌发过程中蛋白体超微结构的研究

对番茄种子蛋白体的结构,类型及萌发过程中的变化进行了详细观察,未萌发种子蛋白体周围由一单层膜包裹,内部为蛋白质基质及分布其中的内含物３部分组成,根据内含物形态和性质上的不同可分为球状晶体,拟晶体和簇晶体３种形式,根据蛋白体所含内含物的不同,将蛋白体划分为５种基本类型：（１）基质蛋白体;（２）球状晶体蛋白体;（３）拟晶体蛋白体;（４）簇晶体蛋白体;（５）复合蛋白体。萌发过程中,蛋白体逐渐降解并液泡化     

芡实种子萌发期子叶传递细胞发育的初步研究

芡实种子萌发期,子叶吸收外胚乳中养分供萌发和幼苗发育,具有吸器的功能。在种子萌发过程中,子叶的部分表皮细胞发育为传递细胞。其壁内突的生长以外切向壁为多,形成壁内突的造壁物质主要由高尔基体合成,并由其溢出的囊泡运送的。     

Protein bodies of seeds: Ultrastructure,biochemistry, biosynthesis and degradation

Typical organelles for protein storage occur in seeds, protein bodies are found in haploid, diploid or triploid tissues and are single membrane bound. In some plants, they exhibit inclusions (globoid and crystalloid), but not in Gramineae endosperm or in Leguminosae cotyledons. A relationship between species and protein body ultrastructure can be put forward. The chemical composition is based mainly on storage proteins and phytic acid but, hydrolytic enzymes(protease and phytase), cations and ribonucleic acids are also present. Other minor biochemical components include oxalic acid, carbohydrates (excluding starch) and lipids. The locations of the storage proteins, enzymes and phytin are described. Protein body ontogeny during seed maturation has given rise to much controversy: are they plastidic or vacuolar? Recent studies on the location of proteosynthesis show that protein bodies are probably synthesized in endoplasmic reticulum lumen and that the Golgi apparatus plays an important role in storage protein synthesis. During germination protein bodies swell and fuse, giving rise to the cell central vacuole, while the integrity of the membrane is maintained. Protein bodies may be considered as being an example of tonoplast origin from endo-plasmic reticulum.     

EMBRYO STRUCTURE AND STORAGE RESERVE HISTOCHEMISTRY IN THE PALM WASHINGTONIA FILIFERA

The seed of Washingtonia filifera (Lindl.) Wendl. is hemispherical and has a smooth testa. The embryo is located on the rounded side of the seed near the raphe. The embryo consists of a prominent single cotyledon, an epicotyl, and a small root apex. The shoot apex is oriented at a right angle to the long axis of the embryo and possesses 2 to 3 leaf primordia. The cotyledon functions as a storage organ and is composed of three cell types with similar ultrastructure. These three types—the parenchyma, protoderm, and procambium—can be distinguished on the basis of position, size, and shape. The procambial strands in the cotyledon consist of a ring of bundles grouped into two distinct sympodia and extend from beneath the shoot apical meristem to the tip of the cotyledon where they are situated very close to the surface. The most prominent organelles within all cell types are protein bodies, lipid bodies, and crystalline protein fibers. The protein bodies contain small crystalline inclusions which are presumed to be phytin. Protein bodies in the protoderm were smaller, denser-staining, and contained fewer crystalline inclusions than those in the parenchyma or procambium. On a volume basis, the parenchyma was shown to be 43% protein bodies, 25% lipid bodies, 15% cytoplasm, 7% cell wall, 4% intercellular space, 2% nuclei, and 4% other organelles (mitochondria and plastids).     

棉花种子萌发过程中子叶蛋白体变化

对棉花种子萌发过程中子叶细胞内蛋白体的变化进行了详细的观察。干种子内存在仅由蛋白质基质组成无内含物的蛋白体,含有球状晶体的蛋白体和无含球状晶体和拟晶体的蛋白体。种子萌发过程中蛋白体逐渐液泡化,其降解方式可分为三种类型：（１）内部降解类型：（２）周边降解类型;（３）内部和周边同时降解类型。文中还一步进行了不同降解类型与酶的分布,蛋白体存在部位和萌发时间进程之间的关系。     

Biochemical and Morphological Changes in Protein Bodies during Germination of Lentil Seeds

Alvarez, J. and Guerra, H. 1985. Biochemical and morphologicalchanges in protein bodies during germination of lentil seeds.—J.exp. BoL 36: 1296–1303. Protein bodies were extracted from lentil (Lens culinaris Medilk,var. castellana) seeds. Proteins from the protein bodies weredegraded during the first 7 d of germination. In some casesthis mobilization of proteins was accompanied by fusion of theprotein bodies into a large central vacuole. The loss of proteinswas paralleled by an increase in the activity of an enzyme systemthat hydrolysed casein. The different kinds of protein bodiesexhibited structural differences; some displayed uniform material,others coagulated or semi-coagulated material and the thirdkind displayed inclusions. Key words: Lentil, protein bodies, seed germination     

In situ expression of two storage protein genes in relation to histo-differentiation at mid-embryogenesis in Medicago truncatula and Pisum sativum seeds

The seed consists of several layers of specialized cell-types that divide and differentiate following a highly regulated programme in time and space. A cytological approach was undertaken in order to study the histo-differentiation at mid-embryogenesis in Medicago truncatula as a model legume, and in Pisum sativum using serial sections of embedded immature seed. Little published information is available about seed development in Medicago species. The observations from this study revealed a number of distinctive features of Medicago seed development and differentiation. Transfer cells, involved in nutrient transfer to the embryo, were clearly identified in the thin-walled parenchyma of the innermost integument. Histological Schiff-naphthol enabled carbohydrate accumulation to be followed in the different seed compartments, and revealed the storage protein bodies. Non-radioactive mRNA in situ hybridization, was carried out using mRNA probes from two highly expressed genes encoding the major vicilin and legumin A storage protein types. The timing of mRNA expression was related to that of the corresponding proteins already identified.     

Development of the cotyledon cells during olive (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Olea europaea</Emphasis> L.) in vitro seed germination and seedling growth

The structural changes occurred in differentiating olive cotyledon cells into mesophyll cells are described. Using histological and immunocytological methods as well as microscopic observations, we showed that in the cells of mature embryo, large electron-dense proteins bodies (PBs) are surrounded by numerous oil bodies (OBs). After 3 days of in vitro germination, the presence of large PBs originated by fusion of smaller PBs was observed. It was also detected a close spatial proximity between PBs and OBs, likely as a reflection of interconnected metabolic pathways. Between the 3rd and the 12th day of germination, the formation of a large vacuolar compartment takes place accompanied by a decrease in the PBs and OBs number. This was coincident with a progressive decrease in the amount of the 11S-type seed storage proteins (SSPs), showed in situ and after Western blot analysis of crude protein extracts. After 26 days germination, the cellular organization became typical for a leaf mesophyll cell, with well-differentiated chloroplasts surrounding a large central vacuole. Our results suggest that the olive cotyledon storage reserves are mobilized gradually until the seedling becomes autotrophic. Moreover, the specific accumulation of storage proteins in the intravacuolar material suggests that these structures may operate as a shuttle for SSPs and/or products of their degradation into the cytoplasm, where finally they supply amino acids for the differentiating mesophyll cells.     

象牙参种子的解剖学和组织化学研究

象牙参种子解剖学和组织化学的研究结果表明, 种子包括假种皮、种皮、外胚乳、内胚乳和胚。假种皮没有完全包被种子, 由约4~5 层薄壁细胞构成。种皮可以分为外种皮、中种皮和内种皮。外种皮由1 层表皮细胞构成, 细胞壁明显增厚;中种皮包括下皮层、半透明细胞层和3~4层细胞的色素层, 下皮层和色素层细胞均充满红棕色色素;内种皮由1 层体积小、壁局部增厚的砖形薄壁细胞构成。种子在珠孔端分化出珠孔领、孔盖和种阜状结构, 珠孔领为同形型, 孔盖不具石细胞硬层。合点区内种皮出现缺口, 缺口间充满合点区色素细胞, 其整体轮廓成新月形。外胚乳可分为厚区与薄区两部分, 外胚乳细胞壁平直, 细胞内充满淀粉。内胚乳细胞主要含蛋白质, 也有少量脂类物质, 细胞界限不清楚。胚棒状, 两端略膨大, 含大量脂类物质, 也含蛋白质和多糖。