Embryogenesis and seed development in Sinomanglietia glauca (Magnoliaceae)

The development of the floral bud, especially the ovule and seed coat, of Sinomanglietia glauca was observed. Floral buds were covered by eight to nine hypsophyll pieces. The hypsophyll nearest the tepal was closed completely and characterized by two arrays of densely stained cells with dense cytoplasm, which split longitudinally at flowering. The perianth consisted of 16 tepals arranged in three whorls. The gynoecium was composed of numerous apocarpous carpels; the ovule was anatropous with two integuments. Embryogenesis was of the Polygonum type, and the endosperm was nuclear. The inner integument degenerated during seed development. The seed of S. glauca had an endotestal seed coat comprised of a sclerotic layer derived from the inner adaxial epidermis of the outer integument and a sarcotesta derived mainly from the middle cells between the inner and outer epidermis of the outer integument. The embryo developed normally, so embryogenesis is not the cause of difficult regeneration.     

Seed coat development, anatomy and scanning electron microscopy of Harpagophytum procumbens (Devil's Claw), Pedaliaceae

Seed coat development of Harpagophytum procumbens (Devil's Claw) and the possible role of the mature seed coat in seed dormancy were studied by light microscopy (LM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM). Very young ovules of H. procumbens have a single thick integument consisting of densely packed thin-walled parenchyma cells that are uniform in shape and size. During later developmental stages the parenchyma cells differentiate into 4 different zones. Zone 1 is the multi-layered inner epidermis of the single integument that eventually develops into a tough impenetrable covering that tightly encloses the embryo. The inner epidermis is delineated on the inside by a few layers of collapsed remnant endosperm cell wall layers and on the outside by remnant cell wall layers of zone 2, also called the middle layer. Together with the inner epidermis these remnant cell wall layers from collapsed cells may contribute towards seed coat impermeability. Zone 2 underneath the inner epidermis consists of large thin-walled parenchyma cells. Zone 3 is the sub-epidermal layers underneath the outer epidermis referred to as a hypodermis and zone 4 is the single outer seed coat epidermal layer. Both zones 3 and 4 develop unusual secondary wall thickenings. The primary cell walls of the outer epidermis and hypodermis disintegrated during the final stages of seed maturation, leaving only a scaffold of these secondary cell wall thickenings. In the mature seed coat the outer fibrillar seed coat consists of the outer epidermis and hypodermis and separates easily to reveal the dense, smooth inner epidermis of the seed coat. Outer epidermal and hypodermal wall thickenings develop over primary pit fields and arise from the deposition of secondary cell wall material in the form of alternative electron dense and electron lucent layers. ESEM studies showed that the outer epidermal and hypodermal seed coat layers are exceptionally hygroscopic. At 100% relative humidity within the ESEM chamber, drops of water readily condense on the seed surface and react in various ways with the seed coat components, resulting in the swelling and expansion of the wall thickenings. The flexible fibrous outer seed coat epidermis and hypodermis may enhance soil seed contact and retention of water, while the inner seed coat epidermis maintains structural and perhaps chemical seed dormancy due to the possible presence of inhibitors.     

长豇豆种皮和种脐的发育

长豇豆的胚珠具内外两层珠被,内珠被在种子发育早期退化消失,种皮仅由外珠被发育而成。外珠被的外表皮细胞径向伸长,外壁和经向壁增厚,形成约占成熟种皮厚度一半的栅栏层;亚表皮细胞发育为骨状石细胞层。第三层细胞类似于亚表皮层但细胞壁增厚不明显,其内方的多层薄壁细胞形成海绵组织。种脐具两层栅栏细胞,外栅栏层及其以外部分由珠柄组织发育而成管胞群。本文还对脐缝和管胞群的作用以及豆科种子的吸水机制进行了讨论。     

Seed coat development in Leucospermum cordifolium (Knight) Fourcade (Proteaceae) and a clarification of the seed covering structures in Proteaceae

MANNING, J. C. & BRITS, G. J., 1993. Seed coat development in Leucospermum cordifolium (Knight) Fourcade (Proteaceae) and a clarification of the seed covering structures in Proteaceae . The development of the seed coat and pericarp is studied in Leucospermum cordifolium from ovule to mature seed. The ovule and seed are characterized by a tegmic pachychalaza. The pericarp is adnate to the integuments from anthesis and remains unthickened to maturity. The outer integument forms the seed coat and the seed is endotestal: the outer epidermis becomes tanniniferous and the inner epidermis develops into a crystalliferous palisade. The inner integument degenerates at an early stage. Examination of the literature reveals that the crystal palisade layer of the outer integument has been erroneously assumed to constitute an endocarp. This finding indicates that a re-interpretation of all published information on the seed coat in indehiscent Proteaceae is necessary before any speculations on the phylogenetic significance of the seed coat can be entertained.     

砂仁种子的解剖学和组织化学研究

砂仁种子包括假种皮、种皮、外胚乳、内胚乳与胚。假种皮由内表皮、外表皮及其间的６－９层薄壁细胞组成。种皮分为外种皮、中种皮与内种皮。外种皮由１层表皮细胞构成,其壁增厚并略木质化。中种皮包括各含１层细胞的下层皮和半透明细胞层与含３－５层细胞的色素层;下皮层与色素层细胞均含有红综色素,后者的壁呈网状增厚。内种皮由１层内切向壁与径向壁非常增厚的石细胞构成。种皮表面具有许多疣状突起,它们是体积较小的表皮细胞     

Early Development of the Seed Coat of Soybean (Glycine max)

Although the development of the soybean ovule has been fairlywell studied, knowledge of the sequence of events in the seedcoat during the first 3 weeks after flowering is incomplete.The goal of the present study was to document, using light microscopy,the early development of the soybean seed coat with respectto changes in structure and histochemistry. At anthesis, theseed coat consists of an outer layer of cuboidal epidermal cellssurrounding several layers of undifferentiated parenchyma (whichtogether constitute the outer integument), and an inner layerof cuboidal endothelial cells (the inner integument). At 3 dpost anthesis (dpa), the inner integument has expanded to includethree to five layers of relatively large cells with thick, heavily-stainingcell walls immediately adjacent to the endothelium. By 18 dpa,the outer integument has developed into a complex of tissuescomprised of an inner layer of thick-walled parenchyma, an outerlayer of thin-walled parenchyma containing vascular tissue whichhas grown down from the lateral vascular bundles in the hilumregion, a hypodermis of hourglass cells, and palisade layer(epidermis). The thick-walled parenchyma of the inner integumenthas become completely stretched and compressed, leaving a single,deeply staining wall layer directly above the endothelium. At21 dpa, the outermost cells of the endosperm have begun to compressthe endothelium. At 45 dpa (physiological maturity) the seedcoat retains only the palisade layer, hourglass cells, and afew layers of thin-walled parenchyma. The innermost layer ofthe endosperm, the aleurone layer, adheres to the inside ofthe seed coat. This knowledge will be invaluable in future studiesof manipulation of gene expression in the seed coat to modifyseed or seed coat characteristics. Copyright 1999 Annals ofBotany Company Soybean, Glycine max, seed coat, development, aleurone.     

Embryo sac, endosperm, and seed of Nemophila (Boraginaceae) relative to taxonomy, with a remark on embryogeny in Pholistoma

Studies on embryology and seed morphology are complementary to molecular phylogenetics and of special value at the genus level. This paper discusses the delimitation and evolutionary relationships of genera within the tribe Hydrophylleae of the Boraginaceae. The seven Nemophila species characterized by a conspicuous seed appendage are similar in embryology and seed structure. The ovule is tenuinucellate and unitegmic with a meristematic tapetum. The embryo sac penetrating the nucellar apex is of the Polygonum type, has short-lived antipodal cells, and an embryo sac haustorium. The endosperm is cellular, producing two terminal endosperm haustoria, of which the chalazal has a lateral branch. Embryogeny is of the Chenopodiad type (as in Pholistoma). The seed coat is formed from the small-celled inner epidermis of the integument. The large-celled outer epidermis of the integument disintegrates into scattered cells. Seed pits evolve from irregularly placed inner epidermal cells of the integument. The chalazal part of the ovule produces a cucullus, that functions as an ant-attracting elaiosome. Those species of Nemophila with a conspicuous cucullus form a natural genus. Nemophila is most closely related to Pholistoma. The integumentary seed pits of Nemophila might have evolved from ovular seed pits similar to those in Pholistoma.     

THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE SEED OF ABUTILON THEOPHRASTI. II. SEED COAT

Winter , Dorothy M. (Iowa State U., Ames.) The development of the seed of Abutilon theophrasti. II. Seat coat. Amer. Jour. Bot. 47(3) : 157—162. Illus. 1960.–The integuments of Abutilon theophrasti Medic. undergo a rapid increase in size, predominantly by anticlinal cell divisions during the first 3 days after fertilization. Within 7 days, the outer epidermis of the inner integument becomes thick walled. At maturity this compact, lignified, and cutinized palisade layer accounts for more than half the thickness of the seed coat. During early growth, the palisade cells form a continuous layer in the micropylar region. In the chalazal region the palisade layer is discontinuous in a slit-shaped region, 60 × 740 microns. The shape of this discontinuity constitutes a major difference between dormant-seeded Abutilon and non-dormant Gossypium seeds. Exterior to the palisade layer is the outer integument which consists of a small-celled layer and a large-celled layer sparsely covered with unicellular, lignified hairs. Interior to the palisade is the thick mesophyll of the inner integument which is largely digested during seed growth and leaves only 2 pigmented cell layers in most regions at maturity. The inner epidermis is small-celled, pigmented and cutinized and adheres tightly to the endosperm. Seed coat impermeability increases with seed maturity. Even immature seeds will germinate, if scarified, indicating a lack of embryo dormancy.     

九翅豆蔻种子的解剖学和组织化学研究

九翅豆蔻种子包括假种皮、种皮、外胚乳、内胚乳和胚．由外珠被发育而来的种皮可划分为外种皮、中种皮和内种皮．外种皮由一层表皮细胞构成,其壁增厚并略木质化．中种皮包括下皮层、油细胞层和含２—５层细胞的色素层;各为一层薄壁细胞的下皮层与油细胞层非常压扁．内种皮由一层石细胞构成,极厚,占种皮厚度的１／３—２／３,是种皮主要的机械层;内种皮整体外观呈波浪形,在珠孔端和合点端的内种皮除外．种子在珠孔端分化出珠孔领和孔盖,在合点端分化出下皮细胞垫、大型薄壁细胞区、维管束和合点端色素细胞区．外胚乳细胞内充满淀粉,内胚乳细胞含有大量蛋白质和多糖,胚细胞含有蛋白质、多糖和脂类物质．脂类物质不存在于油细胞中,而存在于胚细胞、部分假种皮细胞、外种皮细胞和内胚乳最外层细胞中．建议将油细胞（层）改称为半透明细胞（层）．     

茴香砂仁种子的解剖学和组织化学研究

茴香砂仁种子的假种皮膜质,由内、外表皮及其间的数层薄壁细胞构成,种皮黑褐色,由外种皮、中种皮和内种皮组成,外种皮为1层表皮细胞;中种皮由1层细胞的下皮层,1层细胞的半透明细胞层、3-4层薄壁细胞的中种皮薄壁细胞层和1层细胞的色素细胞层组成,内种皮由1层径向延长的细胞构成,内切向壁与部分径向壁非常增厚,种子珠区分化出珠孔领,孔盖和珠孔区薄壁细胞,合点区内种皮出现缺口,缺口间的合点区色素细胞群整体轮廓呈刺叭状,珠孔端的则为1层细胞,细胞内含蛋白质、多糖、脂类物质,胚含量脂类物质,还含有蛋白质与多糖。     

ANATOMY OF THE SEED OF CONVOLVULUS ARVENSIS

Sripleng , Aksorn , (Kasetsart U., Bangkok, Thailand), and Frank H. Smith . Anatomy of the seed of Convolvulus arvensis. Amer. Jour. Bot. 47(5) : 386—392. Illus. 1960.–The anatropous ovule has a small, ephemeral nucellus covered by a massive integument. Shortly after fertilization, a lateral pouch develops from the upper portion of the embryo sac toward the dorsal side of the ovule and then downward. This leaves a partial integumentary septum in the base of the seed. The cellular endosperm is mostly absorbed by the embryo. Two—6 cell layers persist on all sides of the seed except below the cotyledons on the dorsal side where larger amounts persist. Over most of the seed the dermatogen develops into an epidermis that consists in part of groups of thick-walled elongate cells that produce the papillose appearance of the mature seed. The cells beneath the dermatogen divide periclinally and form 2 layers. The outer layer undergoes anticlinal divisions and differentiates a subepidermal layer of small, rectangular, thick-walled cells that become lightly lignified and suberized. The cells of the inner layer undergo some anticinal and periclinal divisions, elongate and differentiate as palisade sclerenchyma. The inner layers of the integument consist of parenchyma cells that are crushed and partially absorbed at maturity. The pad on the basal end of the seed, between the hilum and micropyle, is derived from a multiple epidermis that is differentiated into several layers of rectangular cells and a layer of palisade sclerenchyma. The subepidermal and palisade layers found over other parts of the seed dip beneath the pad.     

Ephemeral and non-ephemeral structures during seed development in two Cytisus species (Papilionoideae,Leguminosae)

Abstract

Seed formation involves not only the embryo and endosperm development, but also the formation of a series of either ephemeral or non-ephemeral structures. In this article, we study several of those structures in Cytisus multiflorus and Cytisus striatus. The endosperm development is first nuclear and later cellular, except for the chalazal area, whose development is always nuclear. It generates, in the early developmental stages, a sac-like haustorium. As the seed develops, two structures seem to be closely related to nutrient mobilization to the embryo sac: on the one hand, a group of cells and a channel, located in the chalazal area and closely related between them and to the endosperm haustorium, which could be interpreted as a hypostase and on the other hand, an endothelium, derived from the inner integument, which later degenerates leaving no trace in the mature seed. All of these structures would be associated with the directionality of assimilates from ovule tissues to embryo sac. In mature seed and surrounding the embryo appears a unicellular layer of cells rich in proteins (aleurone layer), which is the origin of the outermost layer of the cellular endosperm. The seed coat is made up only of the outer integument.     

Ultrastructure of the “fringe-layer”, the innermost epidermis of cotton seed coats

Summary The inner epidermis of the inner integument of cotton seed coats (fringe-layer) and the cuticles between this cell layer and the nucellus were examined in the light and electron microscope at different times of their development. The cells of the fringe-layer contain only small vacuoles and their cytoplasm is densely packed with organelles and free and membrane-bound polysomes. The lateral walls contain many plasmodesmata. At the time when the fruit capsules stop growing, the fringe-cells produce a cell wall labyrinth, resembling that of transfer cells. The cell wall labyrinth is restricted to the lateral walls. The differentiated state of the fringe-cells is short-lived. At about the time of elaboration of the cell wall labyrinth most of them become progressively vacuolated, lignify, and lose their cytoplasmic constituents. The development of the fringe-layer is well correlated with other developmental events in the inner integument, but not with the filling of embryo and endosperm with reserve substances.At anthesis, the fringe-layer and nucellus are covered by a thin cuticle proper of about 20 nm. After anthesis, the nucellar cells start to produce a cuticular layer of considerable, but variable, thickness (0.25–2.5 m), containing a polysaccharide network.In drying seeds the cells of the fringe-layer disrupt. The thin outer tangential wall remains attached to the seed coat. The rest of the cell, together with the cuticles and the collapsed cells of the nucellus, form a protective layer around embryo and endosperm, remaining attached to the seed coat at the chalazal end.     

The embryology ofStegnospermataceae,with a discussion on its status,affinities and systematic position

The embryology ofStegnosperma halimifolium andS. watsonii has been studied in detail. The tapetum is of the secretory type and its cells become multinucleate. Simultaneous cytokinesis in the pollen mother cells follows meiosis. The ripe pollen grains are 3-celled. The ovule is crassinucellate, bitegmic and amphitropous, with the micropyle formed by the inner integument alone. The female archesporium is one celled, and the parietal tissue 3–5 layered. The embryo sac development conforms to thePolygonum type. A central strand, 6 or 7 cells thick, differentiates inside the nucellus and extends from the base of the embryo sac to the chalazal region. The endosperm is nuclear. The embryogeny conforms to the Caryophyllad type. The seed coat is formed by the outer epidermis of the outer integument and the inner epidermis of the inner integument. Based on this evidence and other data, the status of the genus as an independent family,Stegnospermataceae (Stegnospermaceae) is confirmed. Apparently, it forms a connecting link betweenPhytolaccaceae andCaryophyllaceae.     

Structure and development of the ovule and seed in Aristolochiaceae, with particular reference to Saruma

All members of Aristolochiaceae have anatropous, bitegmic, crassinucellate ovules, which are endostomic except in Saruma and Asarum arifolium where ovules are amphistomic. The outer integument is two cell-layered and the inner integument is three cell-layered. The chalazal megaspore is the functional one. All these conditions appear to be plesiomorphic for the order Piperales, which consists of five families, Aristolochiaceae, Hydnoraceae, Lactoridaceae, Piperaceae and Saururaceae. The embryo sac in Aristolochiaceae is eight-nucleate and corresponds to the Polygonum type; a hypostase is frequently present in this family. The seed coat of Aristolochia s.l., Asarum, Saruma and some Thottea species consists primarily of a two cell-layered testa, and a three cell-layered tegmen. In some species the cells of the outer epidermis become radially elongated, forming reticulate wall thickenings. Cells of the inner layer of the testa have crystals and thickened inner walls. The three layers of the tegmen are tangentially elongated, and become cross fibres at maturity, as fibres of the outer and inner layers are parallel to the seed axis, whereas those of the middle layer are perpendicular to it. This type of seed coat anatomy is synapomorphic for Aristolochiaceae. In addition, the gross morphology of the seed and elaiosome histology are remarkably similar in Asarum and Saruma, thus supporting a sister-group relationship between them. Embryological and seed characters do not supply any synapomorphy that support a close relationship between Aristolochiaceae, Hydnoraceae and Lactoridaceae. Instead, some seed features such as the absence of seed appendages and the collapsed cells of endotesta may indicate a close relationship of Lactoris with Piperaceae plus Saururaceae, although this is the subject of further analysis.     

Seed ontogeny in Adesmia securigerifolia (Fabaceae-Adesmieae)

A study of the reproductive processes of Adesmia securigerifolia from bud to mature seed was carried out by means of field observations and the paraffin technique. Observations revealed the following new contributions to the study of legume embryology: 1) after fertilization, a small nucellar haustorium, or micropylar nucellar beak, was observed for the first time, originating from two obliterating nucellar cells that extended outwards. Their globose distal end comes in contact with the internal carpel wall, while the wedge shaped base stretches into the micropyle; a suspensor consisting of five or more cells - the two basal cells are large and falcate and fit into the micropylar pore - coexists with the undivided polar nuclei thus showing that endosperm formation begins after zygote division; 2) at the young embryo stage, a sac- shaped nuclear haustorium, formed by the endosperm, adjoins the outer integument and is not connected to the chalaza, or any vascular element; at the hilar level, a nucellar projection is formed in connection with the haustorial coenocytic endosperm. This projection persists up to the mature seed stage when it starts to degenerate, after performing another linking with the embryo nutrition system; 3) at the mature seed stage, the seed coat evolving from the outer integument has a single macrosclereid layer, though inclusions in the cell vacuoles simulate the presence of more layers and/or transverse walls. The lens, a hypodermal layer of osteosclereids (hour-glass cells), and the astrosclereids are also described.     

从胚胎学特征探讨四合木的系统位置

本文从胚胎学特征探讨了四合木的系统位置。胚胎学研究表明,四合木与蒺藜利具较近亲缘关系,但又有明显区别。表现为。四合木花药壁发育为基本型,绒毡层细胞多数具单核,心皮合生但深裂至近基部,胚株直生,具较长珠柄,无承珠盘,无珠被绒毡层,只具一列线形大孢子四分体,成熟胚囊为四细胞(四核),珠被在胚胎发育过程逐渐退化,因此,成熟种子中只具外珠被内层残迹;胚乳大部分细胞解体,而外缘胚乳细胞特化,在成熟种子中代替种皮起保护功能。因此,四合木是否应从蒺藜科分出而另列一种,值得进一步研究。     

Taxonomic significance of pericarp and seed structure in Heeria argentea (Thunb.) Meisn. (Anacardiaceae) including reference to pachychalazy and recalcitrance

Heeria argentea (tribe Rhoeae), a monotypic, dioecious tree, is endemic to the core area of the Cape Floristic Region. The mature exocarp consists of a uniseriate layer of palisade-like epidermal cells, interspersed with modified stomata. The mature endocarp sensu stricto develops solely from the inner epidermis. It is essentially two-layered and resembles the state in Protorhus longifolia. This endocarp is here proposed as a distinct fourth endocarpal subtype under the so-called Anacardium -type. The large, pachychalazal, recalcitrant seed develops from the single, anatropous, bitegmic, crassinucellate ovule. This ovule is characterized by an extensive chalaza, vascularization and Anacardiaceae-type hypostase. The pachychalazal seed coat contains abundant vascular bundles and a tanniniferous hypostase. The inner epidermis of the inner integument differentiates into an endotegmen. The contribution of the integuments towards seed coat development is negligible. Concerning characters of the disc in the female flower, the meso- and endocarp, as well as seed size, degree of pachychalazy, nutrient reserves (starch) in the chlorophyllous cotyledons and hypogeal germination, Heeria shows a very close phylogenetic relationship to Protorhus longifolia. However, fruit and seed structure clearly supports the taxonomic separation of Heeria from Ozoroa. Data also support the view that Heeria is a tropical relict, and the hypothesis that pachychalazy, greater seed size, as well as recalcitrant seed viability behaviour constitute ancestral seed character states. Pachychalazy is regarded as a functional adaptation for more efficient transfer of nutrients.     

Developmental changes in the inner epidermis of the bean seed coat

Summary The inner epidermis of the bean seed coat shows remarkable structural changes during seed development. At the globular stage of development, a moderately electron-dense substance begins to accumulate in the outer tangential and radial walls of the cells. The staining and fluorescence characteristics, together with the localization of peroxidase in the wall, suggest that this electron-dense material is a phenolic substance. At the same stage of embryo development, structural specialization can be detected in the cytoplasm of the epidermal cells with an increase in the abundance of organelles, especially the endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria, and dictyosomes. These structural features are similar to those in the underlying branched parenchyma cells. As the seed rapidly expands during the maturation stage of embryo development, the epidermal cells and the inner layers of the branched parenchyma cells begin to degenerate. Small ruptures can be detected in the epidermis, exposing the branched parenchyma cells. These structural changes are discussed in relation to their possible functions during embryo development.     

STUDIES ON THE SEED OF BANANA. I. ANATOMY OF THE SEED AND EMBRYO OF MUSA BALBISIANA

Mc Gahan , Merritt W. (United Fruit Co., Norwood, Mass.) Studies on the seed of banana. I. Anatomy of the seed and embryo of Musa balbisiana. Amer. Jour. Bot. 48(3): 230–238. Illus. 1961.—The seed coat of Musa balbisiana Colla consists of a relatively thick outer integument and a 2–cell-layered inner integument. The entire seed coat is sclerified, but routine tests for lignin are negative. Within the outer integument there is a zone of unusual sclereids tentatively termed “multiluminate.” Between the inner integument and the remnants of the nucellus is a cuticle 10–12 μ thick. The micropylar plug and collar are typical of the genus. The chalazal mass is an annular region of gelatinous cells. The mature embryo is comprised of a massive cotyledon, an epicotyl with 1 leaf primordium, a primary root primordium, and several adventitious root primordia. Procambium is well developed, but no mature vascular elements are present in the embryo.