Pollen--stigma Interaction in the Leguminosae: the Secretory System of the Style in Trifolium pratense L.

The canal that traverses the upper part of the style of Trifoliumpratense is derived lysigenously. The core tissue of the veryyoung style consists of elongated cells similar to those ofthe transmitting tissue of solid-style families such as theSolanaceae; as the style matures, these cells separate to formthe canal, which receives secretions both from the core tissueand the inner wall cells. The early secretion of proteins intothe intercellular spaces is associated with the presence ofparamural bodies (lomasomes) in the adjacent cells. In the cellsin the immediate vicinity of the canal, vesicles, probably derivedfrom the Golgi system enlarge during later development and accumulatea protein-carbohydrate content, which is later passed into thecytoplasm where it forms densely packed fibrillar nodules. Withthe dissolution of the cell membranes, this material is passedinto the canal, where it is progressively diluted by continuedingress of water until the cavity reaches its final volume. Leguminosae, Trifolium pratense L., pollen—stigma interaction, self-incompatibility, stylar secretion, protein secretion     

Pollen-Stigma Interaction in the Leguminosae: Stigma Organization and the Breeding System in Vicia faba L.

As in other papilionoid Leguminosae, the receptive surface ofthe stigma of Vicia faba L. is invested by a detached cuticle.This cuticle, the so-called ‘stigma membrane’ ofplant breeding literature, is lifted away from the epidermisduring development by the accumulation of a lipid-rich secretionreleased into the intercellular spaces of the stigma head bythe epidermal cells and the underlying three to four cell layers.The cuticle is thickened over the prominences left by the epidermalpapillae, thinning out between. Pollen, whether self or cross,cannot hydrate and germinate in contact with the intact stigmasurface, but must await the disruption of the cuticle and therelease of the retained secretion. In most genotypes this takesplace only when the flower is tripped by visiting pollinatorsor in consequence of severe agitation by wind. A comparison of lines differing in their degree of autofertilityin field conditions has revealed various differences in stigmastructure. A highly autofertile line had low papillae at thereceptive tip, with a relatively thin intervening cuticle, whilean autosterile line had longer papillae and a thicker cuticle.A line with partial autofertility was intermediate in thesecharacteristics. These properties of the stigma surface, togetherwith other differences in flower structure, are probably adequateto account for the variation in the degree of autosterility,since no evidence was obtained suggesting the presence of aneffective physiological self-incompatibility system in any ofthe lines studied. Since the rupturing of the stigma cuticle is affected by theturgor pressure of the cells of the stigma and style, some degreeof environmental interaction is to be expected: autofertilityshould be at the highest in conditions of adequate water supply,and lowest where there is water deprivation. Pollen-stigma interaction, Vicia faba L., Leguminosae, breeding system, self-incompatibility     

The Structure and Cytochemistry of the Pistil of Sternbergia lutea (Amaryllidaceae)

Studies were carried out on structural and cytochemical aspectsof the pistil of Sternbergia lutea (L.) KerGawl. The stigmais of the wet papillate type; the papillae are unicellular andare arranged densely around the rim of a funnel-shaped stigma.The stigma exudate is limited and is confined to the bases ofthe papillae and the inner lining of the stigma. The papillaeare smooth in the distal part and are covered with intact cuticle-pelliclelining. The cuticle is disrupted at places towards the baseof the papillae releasing the exudate. The exudate is rich inpectins and other polysaccharides but poor in proteins and lipids.The papillae show dense cytoplasmic profiles with extensiveendoplasmic reticulum (ER), abundant mitochondria, polyribosomesand active dictyosomes. The style is hollow. The stylar cavityis surrounded by two to four layers of glandular cells. In theyoung pistil the canal is lined with a continuous cuticle, butin the mature pistil the cuticle becomes disrupted and the canalis filled with the secretion produced by the cells of the surroundingglandular tissue. Ultrastructurally, the cells of the glandulartissue are very similar to the stigmatic papillae. The innertangential wall of the cells bordering the canal is uniformlythicker than other walls. The secretion in the stylar canal,as well as the intercellular spaces of the glandular tissue,stain intensely for pectins and polysaccharides but poorly forproteins and lipids. Pollen tubes grow through the stylar canal.Structural and cytochemical details of the pistil of Sternbergiaare compared with other hollow-styled systems. Pistil, Sternbergia lutea (L.) Ker-Gawl., stigma and style, structure and cytochemistry     

Pollen-stigma Interaction in the Leguminosae: Constituents of the Stylar Fluid and Stigma Secretion of Trifolium pratense L.

The style of T. pratense is hollow, and the canal contains awatery secretion which forms the medium through which the pollentubes grow after penetrating the stigma head. In self-incompatiblegenotypes, incompatible pollen germinates freely and the tubespenetrate the stigma, but they are arrested in the canal afterpassing an inflated zone (entasis) proximal to the stigma head.The stylar fluid contains sucrose, glucose and traces of galactoseand arabinose, as well as a range of proteins. Comparison ofthe proteins in the stigma eluate and stylar fluid by microgradientgel electrophoresis shows that the spectra are broadly similar;but in addition to various minor differences, two major glycoproteinsare present in the stigma secretion which are absent from thestyle, while one in the stylar fluid is not represented in thestigma. Six esterase isoenzymes are present in the stylar fluid,and three of these also in the stigma eluate; there are alsodifferences in acid phosphatase isoenzymes. Leguminosae, Trifolium pratense L., pollen-stigma interaction, self-incompatibility, stigma eluate secretion, stylar secretion     

Structure and histochemistry of the extrafloral nectary ofAcacia terminalis (Salisb.) MacBride (Leguminosae,Mimosoideae)

Summary The extrafloral nectary ofAcacia terminalis is of the flat type and is located on the adaxial surface of the petiole of the bipinnate leaf. The secretory area is restricted to the base of the trough and no gaps or pores were detected by staining with vital dyes. Between the vascular bundles beneath the nectary and the surface cuticle there were three cell types. The cells of the flanking zone adjacent to the vascular bundles did not appear to be producing secretion whereas the cells of the glandular and secretory zones were secreting. The cells of the glandular zone were elongated whereas those of the surface secretory zone were spherical. Both had endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi bodies with secretory vesicles which were observed in close association with the plasmalemma. Secretion accumulated in the intercellular spaces of the glandular zone cells and forced the cells of the secretory zone apart. Symplastic contact was maintained in all cell types by plasmodesmata which were often associated with endoplasmic reticulum. Secretion accumulated beneath the cuticle which was distended but remained intact on the surface of the secretion.     

Heterostyly inPrimula. 1. Fine-structural and cytochemical features of the stigma and style inPrimula vulgaris huds

Summary The stigmas of the heterostylous genusPrimula are of the dry type without a free-flowing surface secretion. The papillae of the stigma surface cells of the two morphs, in pin (stigma exserted) and thrum (stamens exserted), bear a thin proteinaceous surface pellicle, overlying a discontinuous cuticle. The vacuoles of the papillate cells contain tannins, and tannin cells extend in files through the stigma heads and form a loose sheath surrounding the pollen-tube transmitting tract in the styles. The cells of the transmitting tissue in the stigma heads have a normal complement of organelles, and abundant ribosomal endoplasmic reticulum. The intercellular spaces contain an internal secretion which reacts cytochemically for both carbohydrate and protein. The transmitting tract in the styles forms a central core surrounded by several vascular strands. The cells are elongated, and the intercellular spaces here also have a carbohydrate-protein content. In a compatible pollination, thrum pollen tubes enter the stigma by penetrating the cuticle at the tip or on the flank of the pin papilla. Pin tubes on the thrum stigma enter between adjacent papillae, penetrating the thin cuticle at the base. The tubes grow through the transmitting tracts in the intercellular material.     

Structural and Cytochemical Characteristics of the Stigma and Style in Vitis vinifera L. var. Sangiovese (Vitaceae)

Studies were carried out on structural and cytochemical aspectsof the stigma and style ofVitis vinifera . The stigma is ofthe wet papillate type with a continuous cuticle and pellicle.During the development of the papillae, the cell walls increasein thickness and produce a secretion product constituted oflipids that pass through the wall forming the exudate. The styleis solid with a central core of transmitting tissue which hasconspicuous intercellular spaces that increase remarkably fromthe periphery to the centre where the cuticle is present. Theintercellular spaces, where the pollen tubes grow, contain amatrix that includes polysaccharides, pectic substances andscattered areas of lipidic nature. Cytochemistry; stigma; style; ultrastructure; Vitis vinifera     

Structural and Cytochemical Analysis of the Stigma and Style in Tibouchina semidecandra Cogn. (Melastomataceae)

Structural and cytochemical aspects of the pistil of Tibouchinasemidecandra Cogn. were studied. The stigma is of the wet-papillatetype and is structurally divisible into a papillar zone anda stigmatic zone. The papillar zone consists of loosely arrangedpapillae which are matchstick-shaped, unicellular, and producelipid droplets that remain entrapped below the thick cuticle.The bulk of cell volume is made up of large vacuoles rich intannin. The stigmatic zone consists of layers of secretory cellswith dense cytoplasm, actively secreting dictyosomes and numerousrough endoplasmic reticulum (RER) profiles. Free-flowing lipidexudate, produced by these cells, is initially stored in theintercellular spaces, and subsequently extruded out to coverthe surface. The style is solid with a core of transmittingtissue traversing its whole length. The transmitting tissueconsists of loosely arranged cells with numerous organellesand conspicuous intercellular substance rich in polysaccharidesand pectins. Ultrastructural details indicate that the intercellularsecretion is accompanied with fraying of the wall component.Both the transverse and longitudinal walls contain plasmodesmata.Copyright1995, 1999 Academic Press Cytochemistry, stigma and style, ultrastructure, Tibouchina semidecandra     

Floral nectary ultrastructure of Prunus persica (L.) Batch cv. Forastero (Newcomer), an Argentine peach

 Flowers of Prunus persica (L.) Batch. cv. Forastero have an orange toral nectary. The nectariferous tissue was formed by densely packed parenchyma cells (secretory cells) and an epidermis with hairs and modified stomata. The epidermal cells were highly vacuolated with a striated cuticle. The ultrastructure of these cells contained a cytoplasm with endoplasmic reticulum, plastids, mitochondria and dictyosomes. Sub-epidermal cells were barely vacuolated and their ultrastructure was similar to that of the epidermal cells. Differences were observed only in the endoplasmic reticulum, which is organized in a parallel configuration. Plasmodesmata were found between adjacent secretory cells and between secretory and epidermal cells. An electron dense secretion occurred in the intercellular spaces and between the external tangential wall and the cuticle of the epidermal cells. According to the ultrastructural observations, the sugar solution could be passed through the symplast or the apoplast. The nectar could be exuded from the stomata and the micro-channels of the cuticle covering the epidermal cells. Received July 7, 2002; accepted September 24, 2002 Published online: June 2, 2003     

Developmental Aspects of Ultrastructure, Histochemistry and Receptivity of the Stigma of Nicotiana sylvestris

The bilobed papillate stigma of Nicotiana sylvestris Speg. andComes, is covered at maturity with a copious exudate containinglipid, protein and carbohydrate. The stigma is receptive fromthe very early stage of development and it also stains positivelyfor esterase activity. The stigma has three distinct zones:an epidermis with papillae; a subepidermal secretory zone; anda parenchymatous ground tissue. The behaviour of the cells ofthese three zones has been followed from 6 d before anthesisto one day after anthesis and pollination. The cells of theepidermis and the secretory zone stain intensively for lipids,proteins and carbohydrates in the initial stages. The secretoryzone develops large intercellular spaces containing heterogenoussecretory products which also stain positively for the aforesaidthree compounds. At maturity the secretory products are releasedto the surface through gaps formed in the epidermis by cellseparation. The main secretion of the stigma is produced bythe cells of the secretory zone. Less secretion is derived fromthe stigmatic papillae. Some amount of secretion is also releasedfrom the stylar transmitting tissue adjoining the stigma. Theglandular cells of the stigma contain numerous plastids, mitochondria,ribosomes, ER, cytoplasmic lipid droplets and some dictyosomes.The plastids and the vacuoles in the secretory cells of thestigma have a lot of electron dense (osmiophilic) inclusionsrespectively in the initial and later stages of development.The former are probably involved in the production of thesematerials. It is suggested that the proteins are directly secretedby rough ER compartments whereas smooth ER is involved in thesynthesis of lipidic materials. The carbohydrate moiety of theexudate is released by the eccrine mode (sugar mono- and dimers)with some addition of polymers by disintegration of the middlelamellae. The means by which the lipidic and osmiophilic materialis extruded remains unclear. Nicotiana sylvestris, stigma receptivity, organization, stigmatic secretory system, stigmatic exudate     

Tissue Development in the Stigma of Prunus avium L.

The tissue inside the stigma of Prunus avium L, through whichpollen tubes grow, undergoes a specific pattern of developmentwhich is different from that of the papillae on the stigmaticsurface or the transmitting tissue of the style in several importantaspects An elaborate system of intercellular spaces developsconsisting of small lacunae and aerenchymatous tissue The majorityof spaces contain no intercellular substances and appear tobe air canals, although the small lacunae may participate insecretion Aerenchymatous tissue on the peripheral regions ofthe stigma is characterized by several cytological featureswhich change during ontogeny, such as nuclear inclusions, amyloplastinclusions, dumbbell-shaped mitochondria, cytoplasmic sequestrationand isolated segments of endoplasmic reticulum Occasional clustersof amyloplasts were also observed Prunus avium L, sweet cherry, stigma, cytology, ultrastructure     

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.     

ULTRASTRUCTURAL AND HISTOCHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE STIGMA OF CICER ARIETINUM

The stigma of Cicer arietinum L. cv. UC-5, a self-compatible legume, is comprised of a small central region of papillate cells which exhibit a localized surface secretion at the white bud stage of development, and of surrounding peripheral cells which lack surface secretion at the white bud stage and at anthesis. The cuticle of cells of the central region is thin and smooth and is displaced from subtending cells and fragmented as a result of secretory production. The cuticle of peripheral cells is thick and rugose. Although it is also displaced by secreted material, it is not disrupted during the white bud stage of development or at anthesis. The contents of central and peripheral papillate cells are similar. Cells are densely cytoplasmic, often with starch-containing plastids. Mitochondria, Golgi bodies, and associated vesicles are abundant, along with strands of smooth and rough endoplasmic reticulum. The limited stigma surface area covered by the secretion may restrict pollen capture and retention. This limited area may partly account for the notably unsuccessful hybridization attempts to broaden the genetic base and to develop improved cultivars of Cicer.     

Seasonal ultrastructural variations in pinealocytes of the woodchuck,Marmota monax

The ultrastructure of the pinealocyte in the woodchuck, Marmota monax, was studied during the four seasons of the year. Fall cells have a fairly uniform cytoplasmic density, organelles consistent with synthetic and/or secretory activity and rather extensive pericapillary and intercellular spaces. Many winter pinealocytes are nearly devoid of ribosomes and granular endoplasmic reticulum but contain lipid droplets associated with mitochondria. Pericapillary and intercellular spaces are minimal. Spring glands have the greatest variation in cytoplasmic density with intercellular and pericapillary spaces similar to that seen in fall glands. Cells containing electron dense cytoplasm have Golgi zone associated, secretory granules, free ribosomes, short sections of granular endoplasmic reticulum and dense bodies. Cells with a more electron lucent cytoplasm are similar to the most frequently observed summer pinealocytes which have numerous Golgi zones but few associated secretory granules. Microtubules are prominent in the cytoplasm of these cells, the plasma membranes are smooth and intercellular and pericapillary spaces are minimal. A yearly rhythm or cyclic activity of the pinealocyte is suggested.     

Ultrastructure and Secretion of Extrafloral Nectaries of Plumeria rubra L.

Extrafloral nectaries situated on the adaxial side of the petiolebase are differentiated into a long head, comprising subepithelialground tissue surrounded by a layer of elongated palisade-likeepithelial cells and a short stalk from the nectary meristem.Many ultrastructural changes occur in epithelial and subepithelialcells of the nectary, from the young to secretory stages, suchas an increase in the amount of cytoplasm rich in mitochondriawith well developed cristae, rough endoplasmic reticulum (rER),smooth endoplasmic reticulum (sER) tubules and Golgi bodies.Plasmalemma invaginations with secretory vesicles occur longthe radial walls. Substantial amounts of secretory materialaccumulate in the gap between the radial walls and subcuticularspace, probably carried by the secretory vesicles from the cytoplasmat the secretory stage. Before cessation of secretion the cytoplasmbecomes vesiculated and the volume of the vacuome increases.At the post secretory stage, cytolytic processes and death ofcells occur. The subepithelial cells attain their maturity priorto epithelial cells. Histochemical localization reveals thepresence of lipids, proteins and insoluble polysaccharides withinthe epithelial cells and in the secretory material depositedin the subcuticular space as well as the gap between the radialwalls of the epithelial cells and outside the cuticle. Fine structure, nectary, Plumeria rubra, granulocrine secretion     

Ultrastructure of the peritrophic membrane-secreting cells in the cardia of the blowfly, Lucilia cuprina

Scanning and transmission electron microscopy are used to reveal the internal anatomy and ultrastructure of the cardia which is the source of the triple layered peritrophic membrane in the blowfly Lucilia cuprina. Within the cardia, rings of secretory cells (formation zones) and non-secretory tissue (valvula cardiaca) interlock to secrete and mould the layers of membrane. Formation zone cells have abundant rough endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi and secretory vesicles. A portion of midgut just posterior to the formation zone is covered by close-packed microvilli connected by septate-like junctions. The cuticle-lined valvula cardiaca is rich in smooth endoplasmic reticulum, glycogen and microtubules. The oesophageal cuticle is unusual in containing tubular structures. The ultrastructural features of the separate components of the cardia are discussed in terms of their secretory and non-secretory roles; modified midgut cells secrete chitin and protein whereas modified foregut tissue (valvula cardiaca) appears to be adapted to provide structural integrity (extensive junctions, microtubules), movement (muscles, possibly microtubules), a store of energy (glycogen deposits) and possibly a lipidic secretion (from smooth endoplasmic reticulum) to lubricate the passage of the membranes.     

Ultrastructural Aspects of the Nectary Spur of Limodorum abortivum (L) Sw. (Orchidaceae)

The ultrastructure of the nectary spur of Limodorum abortivum(L) Sw. was examined before and after anthesis. In cross sectionthe nectary spur shows an internal epidermal layer of thin-walledcells bordering the secretory cavity and 10–12 layersof parenchyma cells. The ultrastructure of the secretory cellssuggests the involvement of ER, Golgi and plastids in nectarsecretion. The nectar accumulated in the sub-cuticular spaceis released into the nectariferous cavity by rupture of theouter layer of the cuticle. Limodorum abortivum (L) Sw., Orchidaceae, nectary spur, nectar secretion, ultrastructure, anthesis, endoplasmic reticulum, dictyosomes, plastids     

Structure and ultrastructure of leaf and calyx glands in Galphimia brasiliensis (Malpighiaceae)

The present study describes the anatomical structure of calyx and leaf glands in Galphimia brasiliensis and analyzes the mechanism of secretion. The glands are marginal and suprabasal, cup-shaped, sessile, and scarcely visible with the naked eye. Light microscopy reveals the following features: a thin, smooth cuticle; unistratified secretory cells; subglandular parenchyma; and vascular bundle supply composed of phloem and xylem with abundant druses of calcium oxalate. Transmission electron microscopy reveals the presence of secretory cells with conspicuous nuclei, dense cytoplasm, lipid droplets, numerous vesicles, mitochondria, Golgi, rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER), and elongated plastids with osmiophilic contents. The secretion reaches the apoplastic space and accumulates beneath the cuticle. Finally, the viscous, translucent exudate is eliminated by mechanical rupture of the cuticle. Histochemical analysis confirms that lipids are the main constituent. Small amounts of polysaccharides were also identified.     

Anatomical studies of the secretory structures: Glandular trichomes and ducts, in Grindelia pulchella Dunal (Astereae, Asteraceae)

The ultrastructure of the glandular trichomes and secretory ducts of Grindelia pulchella was studied. Plastids, mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum are involved in the secretory process of both, trichomes and ducts. A special tissue with “transfer cells” is associated with the duct epithelial cells. The secretion is produced in the transfer cells and then is transferred to the duct epithelial cells where it accumulates in the vacuoles. The occurrence of cavities within the cell walls of the trichome cells and duct epithelial cells is described. The secretion is accumulated between the cell wall and the cuticle of these cells. When the cuticle is broken the secretion is released. We conclude that granulocrine secretion operates in this species.     

Fine Structure of the Adrenocortical Homolog and the Corpuscles of Stannius of Amia calva L.

A comparison is made between the fine structure of yellow corpuscles and white corpuscles located within the kidneys of the holostean fish, Amia calva L. The yellow corpuscles are composed of epithelial cells possessing all the features of steroid-producing tissues, namely an abundance of vacuoles, tubular smooth endoplasmic reticulum, and mitochondria with tubular cristae. The Golgi apparatus is also a conspicuous component of their cytoplasm. These cells are homologous to adrenocortical cells of higher vertebrates and they have cytoplasmic projections which extend into the lumina of surrounding sinusoids. The white corpuscles possess epithelial cells of variable appearance but all cells contain secretory granules and an extensive rough endoplasmic reticulum. The secretory granules appear to originate at the Golgi apparatus and occasionally are observed intact in the intercellular space. However the method of release of these granules was not clearly defined. These corpuscles are similar to the corpuscles of Stannius which have been described in modern bony fish. The presence of multivesicular bodies and smooth endoplasmic reticulum in some cells may reflect the origin of the corpuscles of Stannius from the tubular nephron. A. calva appears to be a suitable organism for comparative studies into the function of the adrenocortical homolog and corpuscles of Stannius in “primitive” fish.