Development, Ultrastructure and Secretion of Gum Ducts in Lannea coromandelica (Houtt.) Merrill (Anacardiaceae)

In Lannea coromandelica (Houtt.) Merrill, the gum ducts in theprimary phloem of the stem initiate and develop schizogenously.Formation of an intercellular space amongst a group of denselystained phloem procambial cells signals the initiation of aduct. Initiation of a duct starts by dissolution of the middlelamella of the walls. It widens by separation of cells alongthe radial walls by swelling and dissolution of the middle lamella.During separation of radial walls dictyosomes and paramuralbodies are observed in the peripheral cytoplasm at the siteof dissolution. Plasmodesmata occur in the radial and innertangential walls of epithelial cells of developing gum ducts.The epithelial cells have a dense cytoplasm and contain roughendoplasmic reticulum, ribosomes, polysomes, mitochondria withswollen cristae, plastids with poorly developed membranes, dictyosomesand vesicles. Dictyosomes and rough endoplasmic reticulum seemto be involved in the secretion of the gum. The polysaccharidegum constituents apparently originate from the outer wall layersof the epithelial cells. Following gum secretion, the epithelialcells degenerate. Lannea coromandelica (Houtt.) Merrill, Anacardiaceae, gum ducts, ultrastructure, gum secretion     

Anatomical and ultrastructural changes of the floral nectary ofPisum sativum L. during flower development

Summary The floral nectary ofPisum sativum L. is situated on the receptacle at the base of the gynoecium. The gland receives phloem alone which departed the vascular bundles supplying the staminal column. Throughout the nectary, only the companion cells of the phloem exhibited wall ingrowths typical of transfer cells. Modified stomata on the nectary surface served as exits for nectar, but stomatal pores developed well before the commencement of secretion. Furthermore, stomatal pores on the nectary usually closed by occlusion, not by guard-cell movements. Pore occlusion was detected most frequently in post-secretory and secretory glands, and less commonly in pre-secretory nectaries. A quantitative stereological study revealed few changes in nectary fine structure between buds, flowers secreting nectar, and post-secretory flowers. Dissolution of abundant starch grains in plastids of subepidermal secretory cells when secretion commenced suggests that starch is a precursor of nectar carbohydrate production. Throughout nectary development, mitochondria were consistently the most plentiful organelle in both epidermal and subepidermal cells, and in addition to the relative paucity of dictyosomes, endoplasmic reticulum, and their associated vesicles, the evidence suggests that floral nectar secretion inP. sativum is an energy-requiring (eccrine) process, rather that granulocrine.Abbreviations ER endoplasmic reticulum - GA glutaraldehyde - SEM scanning electron microscopy     

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     

玉吊钟多细胞根毛的发育及其超微结构研究

玉吊钟气生不定根根尖区域的部分表皮细胞经分裂可形成多细胞根毛。根毛长０．０３ｍｍ左右,具单列细胞、双列细胞和叉状分枝类型,由基细胞和毛体细胞二部分组成。电镜显示,基细胞内部结构与表皮细胞相似。组成毛体的细胞都有分泌功能。在分泌活动期,细胞内形成大量内质网,并膨大成囊泡状或溢出囊泡,分泌停止,内质网即消失;其细胞结构的变化及主要由内质网参与分泌活动与蜜腺细胞在分泌活动中的结构变化类似。故推测多细胞根     

慈菇匍匐茎中分泌道的初步研究

慈茹匍蔔茎的分泌道是裂生的胞间道,分布于匍匐茎的基本组织中。单个分泌道原始细胞起始于离茎端约1毫米处的基本分生组织中,原始细胞经分裂形成5—7个上皮细胞包围着中央的裂生腔隙,成为管道系统。上皮细胞无鞘细胞包围。上皮细胞中高尔基体和内质网发达,并溢出小囊泡向着分泌道腔隙面壁的质膜附近迁移,乳汁中亦存在大量完整的小囊泡。上皮细胞和外围薄壁细胞之间的壁层具有大量胞间连丝,小囊泡和内质网的膜结构与胞间连丝末端相接,同时可见上皮细胞的质膜在数处反折内陷,形成袋状结构,在与上皮细胞相对的薄壁细胞内也有同样现象出现,袋状结构内含小形颗粒或囊泡,并在结构上显示出上皮细胞与相邻薄壁细胞间存在着活跃的物质交流。由此认为。代谢物质以整体小囊泡的形式经胞间连丝或内陷的质膜向分泌道迁移是物质运输和分泌的可能方式之一。在电镜下观察,液泡中的积聚物与乳汁十分相似,液泡可能是乳汁的贮存场所之一。     

Ultrastructure of Nectaries of Vinca rosea L., Vinca major L. and Citrus sinensis Osbeck cv. Valencia and its Relation to the Mechanism of Nectar Secretion

The ultrastructural changes in nectar-secreting cells of Vincarosea, Vinca major, and Citrus sinensis during their ontogeneticdevelopment are described. The most pronounced changes occurin the amount and morphology of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER).The amount of ER elements increases gradually and reaches amaximum at the stage of secretion. At this stage the ER is thedominant element in the cytoplasm. A process of swelling ofa lamellar ER, followed by formation of vesicles, was notedin the secretory cells during the stage of secretion. Many vesicularelements appeared to be in a close association with the plasmalemma.It is suggested that sugar is secreted as a solution by meansof vesicles derived from the ER.     

高压冷冻及低温替代技术制备的拟南芥花蜜腺超微结构的研究

采用高压冷冻和低温替代技术对不同时期泌蜜前、泌蜜早期和泌蜜晚期的拟南齐(Arabidopsisthaliana L.)成熟花蜜腺的超微结构进行了研究。着重对小泡运输过程中是否与细胞质膜发生融合以及蜜腺组织中深色细胞与伴胞的区别等问题进行了讨论。拟南芥花中有一对较大的侧蜜腺以及2～4枚中蜜腺。中蜜腺位于2枚长雄蕊基部或它们之间,而侧蜜腺则位于两花瓣之间的短雄蕊附近。泌蜜前和泌蜜期,液泡的大小、高尔基体及内质网的数量、线粒体的分布以及质体内淀粉粒的大小都会发生一定的变化。当高尔基小泡从细胞内运输至细胞外时,并没有发生与细胞质膜融合的过程,与经典的“胞吐”假说不同。深色细胞在泌蜜期大量出现与筛分子旁的伴胞明显不同,前者与蜜腺顶端的气孔器相连,形成“通道”从而使蜜汁从蜜腺排出。     

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.     

Ultrastructure, Development and Secretion in the Nectary of Banana Flowers

The nectaries of Musa paradisiaca L. var. sapientum Kuntze werefound to secrete in addition to the sugar solution, a polysaccharidemucilage and a very electron dense, homogenous material whichwas apparently protein. The polysaccharide had already startedto appear outside the epithelial cells of the nectary at veryearly stages of nectary development. At somewhat later developmentalstages the very dense homogenous material appeared in the formof droplets between the plasmalemma and cell wall in massesin the nectary lumen. Nectar secretion started in flowers whenthe bract in the axil of which they occurred had just recoiled.The ER elements were dilated and formed vesicles and the Golgibodies were very active, at the stage of the nectar secretionand at stages preceding it, except at the stage just beforesecretion. In all stages of nectary development the dilatedER elements and most large Golgi vesicles contained fibrillarmaterial. It is suggested that both ER and the Golgi apparatusare involved in the secretion of the sugar solution and of thepolysaccharides. There was not enough evidence as to where inthe cell the very dense homogenous material is synthesized. A few developmental stages of the nectaries of the male flowersof the Dwarf Cavendish banana, which do not secrete nectar,were also studied. It was seen that at early stages of development,the ultra-structure of the nectary of this banana variety wassimilar to that of M. paradisiaca var. sapientum. However, theepithelial nectary cells of the Dwarf Cavendish banana disintegratedbefore maturation of the nectary. Musa paradisiaca L, banana, floral nectaries, ultrastructure     

Development and Structure of Primary Secretory Ducts in the Stem of Commiphora wightii (Burseraceae)

Development of gum-resin ducts, sites of resin synthesis inthe epithelial cells and elimination of resin from the protoplasthave been studied in the stem of Commiphora wightii. Formationof an intercellular space amongst a group of densely stainedprocambial cells signals the initiation of a duct. It widensby anticlinal divisions of the epithelial cells and also bytheir further separation along the radial walls. The numerousplastids with varying morphological shapes have an electrondense matrix. Starch granules present in the amyloplasts showevidences of exocorrosion. Mitochondria in the epithelial cellsof developing and mature ducts have well developed, swollencristae. Osmiophilic material originates in association withthe golgi-derived vesicles at its maturing face. It is alsoobserved in close association with plastids, mitochondria andvacuoles, thereby plausibly involving them in the process ofresin formation. The resinous material is eliminated from thecytoplasm by vesicles enveloped by plasmalemma prior to theirdischarge into the apoplast. Myelin-like multilamellate structuresobserved along the inner tangential wall may aid in the secretionof resin across the wall. Commiphora wightii, primary secretory ducts, epithelial cells, ultrastructure, gum-resin secretion     

Cytological differentiation in the uropygial gland.

Ultrastructural changes were studied in the cells undergoing secretory differentiation in zone I of the tubules of the uropygial gland of White Plymouth Rock chickens. A layer of basal cells and four secretory stages are recognized as the cells migrate from the periphery to the lumen of tubules and progressively elaborate a secretion product. Basal cells, containing rough endoplasmic reticulum and free ribosomes, rest on the basement membrane and are the source from which secretory cells arise. Dilated perinuclear cisternae and the proliferation of smooth endoplasmic reticulum in the form of vesicles, invaginated sacs and cusp-shaped cisternae indicate the onset of lipgenesis in stage I cells. The perinuclear cisternae are more dilated and the endoplasmic reticulum is composed on saccules and cisternae in stage II cells. Stage III cells are characterized by concentric lamellae of endoplasmic reticulum surrounding secretory droplets. Dilated cisternae of endoplasmic reticulum and secretory droplets both contain a reticular substance. The perinuclear cisternae of stage III cells have returned to normal dimensions. Large mature lucent secretory droplets, lined with electron-dense material, fill the cytoplasm ostage IV cells which degenerate and release their secretory product into the tubule lumen. Spherical membrane-bound compartments containing a mottled substance of moderate electron density occur in basal cells and all subsequent secretory stages. These mottled bodies are surrounded by saccules of endoplasmic reticulum in stage II cells and are intimately associated with secretory droplets in stage III cells, but there is no evidence that they give rise to secretory droplets and their role in secretory differentiation is unknown.     

THE FLORAL AND EXTRA-FLORAL NECTARIES OF PASSIFLORA. I. THE FLORAL NECTARY

Floral nectary development and nectar secretion in three species of Passiflora were investigated with light and electron microscopy. The nectary ring results from the activity of an intercalary meristem. Increased starch deposition in the amyloplasts of the secretory cells parallels maturation of the nectary phloem. Large membrane-bound protein bodies are observed consistently in phloem parenchyma cells, but their function is presently unknown. The stored starch serves as the main source of nectar sugars at anthesis. Plastid envelope integrity is maintained during starch degradation, and there is no evidence of participation of endoplasmic reticulum or Golgi in the secretion of pre-nectar. It is concluded that in these starchy nectaries granulocrine secretion, commonly reported for floral nectaries, does not occur.     

Ultrastructure of the Floral Nectary of Arabidopsis thaliana L. Prepared from High Pressure Freezing and Freeze Substitution

High pressure freezing and freeze substitution techniques were used to study the floral nectary of Arabidopsis thaliana L. focused on its ultrastmcture of mature nectary at pre-secretory, early secretory and heavy secretory stages. Questions of whether or not the transported vesicles fuse with the plasma]emma, and whether or not the "densely-stained cells" were comparable to companion cells during the secretory process were especially emphasized. The flowers of A. thaliana contained a pair of rather large lateral nectaries and 2 to 4 median ones. The median nectaries were situated at the bases of the two long stamens or between them while each of the. lateral ones was situated nearby each short stamen and between two petals. Before and during the secretion changes in the size of vacuoles and starch grains in the chloroplasts, the number of dictyosomes and endoplasmic mticulum and the distribution of mitechondria occurred before and during the stage of secretion. It appears that transported vesicles from the dictyosomes were transferred directly from one nectarfferous cell to another or to the exterior. They did not fuse with the plasmalemma when they left the cells. A great number of special "densely-stained cells" were different from the companion cells nearby the sieve elements. It was suggested that a tunnel be formed by these "densely-stained cells" connecting the stomata at the top of nectary leading the out-flow of nectar.     

A Histochemical Study of Nectaries of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis

Different histochemical and cytochemical methods were employedon nectaries of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis. Light microscopy revealedthe presence of oil and mucilage cells in the subglandular tissue.Electron microscopy showed intense activity of ATPase in thephloem subtending the nectary. When CaCl₂ or tannic acid areadded to the fixative, electron-dense globular deposits areencountered in close contact with the plasmalemma of the secretorycells. In this case the endoplasmic reticulum appears in alternatingelectron-dense areas. In young nectaries the application oftannic acid results in electron-opaque deposits at the cellplate of dividing cells. The prolonged incubation of nectariesin OsO₄ results in an obvious difference in staining betweennectary hairs and subglandular cells. Structures stained selectivelywith OsO₄ are the endoplasmic reticulum, nuclear envelope, plastids,and mitochondria. The cytochemical experiments support the viewthat in nectaries of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, the pre-nectaroriginates from the phloem and it is symplastically carriedvia the plasmodesmata to the secretory cells of the hair fromwhere it is secreted. The principal element which is involvedboth in the pre-nectar transport and nectar secretion is theendoplasmic reticulum. Key words: Lipid staining, polysaccharides, tannic acid, calcium binding sites, ATPase activity, osmium impregnation     

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.     

The secretory glands of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Asphodelus aestivus</Emphasis> flower

Various secretory glands are observed on Asphodelus aestivus flower, a common geophyte of Mediterranean type ecosystem. The floral nectary has the form of individual slits between the gynecium carpels (septal nectary). The septal slits extend downwards to the ascidiate zone of the carpels. The nectar is secreted by the epidermal cells of the slits, which differentiate into epithelial cells. The latter contain numerous organelles, among which endoplasmic reticulum elements and golgi bodies predominate. Nectar secretion results in an expansion of the space between the septa. The nectar becomes discharged through small holes on the ovary wall. Six closely packed stamens surround the ovary and bear numerous papillae at their basis. These papillae are actually osmophores, i.e. secretory structures responsible for the manufacture, secretion and dispersion of terpenic scent. A mucilage gland (obturator) exists between the lateral ovule and the ovary septa, giving a positive reaction with Schiff’s reagent. This gland secretes a mucoproteinaceous product to nourish the pollen tube and to facilitate its penetration into the ovary.     

Comparative account of nectary structure in Hexisea imbricata (Lindl.) Rchb.f. (Orchidaceae)

• Background and Aims Despite the number of orchid speciesthat are thought to be pollinated by hummingbirds, our knowledgeof the nectaries of these orchids is based solely on a singlespecies, Maxillaria coccinea (Jacq.) L.O. Williams ex Hodge.Nevertheless, it is predicted that such nectaries are likelyto be very diverse and the purpose of this paper is to comparethe nectary and the process of nectar secretion in Hexisea imbricata(Lindl.) Rchb.f. with that of Maxillaria coccinea so as to beginto characterize the nectaries of presumed ornithophilous Neotropicalorchids. • Methods Light microscopy, transmission electronmicroscopyand histochemistry were used to examine the histology and chemicalcomposition of nectary tissue and the process of nectar secretionin H. imbricata. • Key Results and Conclusions The nectary of H. imbricatahas a vascular supply, is bound by a single-layered epidermiswith few stomata and comprises two or three layers of subepidermalsecretory cells beneath which lie several layers of palisade-likeparenchymatous cells, some of which contain raphides or mucilage.The secretory cells are collenchymatous and their walls havenumerous pits with associated plasmodesmata. They contain thefull complement of organelles characteristic of secretory cellsas well as intravacuolar protein bodies but some of the secretoryepidermal cells, following secretion, collapse and their anticlinalwalls seem to fold. Nectar secretion is thought to be granulocrineand, following starch depletion, lipid droplets collect withinthe plastids. The nectar accumulates beneath the cuticle whichsubsequently forms swellings. Finally, nectar collects in thesaccate nectary spur formed by the fusion of the margins ofthe labellum and the base of the column-foot. Thus, althoughthe nectary of H. imbricata and M. coccinea have many featuresin common, they nevertheless display a number of important differences.     

Studies on the Sporogenous Lineage in the Moss Timmiella barbuloides IX. Development of the Tapetum

The ultrastructure of tapetal cells in Timmiela barbuloideswas investigated in relation to events of sporogenesis. Aftertheir establishment both internally and externally to the sporogonialinitials, tapetal cells enlarge and assume a permanently polarizedorganization after completion of meiosis. A large vacuole isformed in the cell region distal to the spore sac, the nucleusbecomes centrally located, and amyloplasts lie in the cytoplasmadjacent to the spore sac. An extensive endomembrane systemdevelops in tapetal cells during the stage of exine depositionin spore tetrads. Sheets of rough endoplasmic reticulum developfirst around the nucleus then also in close proximity to theplasma membrane abutting the spore sac. Concomitantly, interveningdictyosomes produce a variety of vesicles. Unusual structureswith vesicle-like profiles also occur in the inner tapetum cellwalls abutting the spore sac. At the same time most of the starchis lost from the plastids in which grana-fretwork systems develop.A massive secretion of extremely electron-opaque material isassociated with perine deposition onto the free spore surfaces.Degeneration of the tapetal cells during the terminal stagesof spore maturation is marked by distortion of the organelles,increase in vacuolation and the appearance of electron-opaquematerial between the sheets of endoplasmic reticulum.Copyright1994, 1999 Academic Press Bryophytes, endomembrane dynamics, Timmiella, ultrastructure, development, tapetum     

Development of secretory activity in the seminal vesicle of the male migratory grasshopper,Melanoplus sanguinipes (fabr.) (Orthoptera : Acrididae)

This paper describes the ultrastructure of the seminal vesicle and the isoelectric focusing patterns of its secretion during sexual maturation and after allatectomy in Melanoplus sanguinipes (Fabr.) (Orthoptera : Acrididae). In epithelia from seminal vesicles of newly fledged males, the rough endoplasmic reticulum is well developed, and Golgi complexes are elaborate, which indicates the gland is metabolically active. The cells also contain large glycogen deposits and the lumen microvilli are well differentiated. These ultrastructural features are more dominant in 24-hr-old adults where the cytoplasm is clearly differentiated into basal and apical regions. Basally, the cytoplasm is dominated by rough endoplasmic reticulum, large Golgi complexes, glycogen deposits and numerous mitochondria, while the apical cytoplasm is filled with large secretory and/or lysosomal vesicles. Between days 3 and 7, the ultrastructural features change little other than the rough endoplasmic reticulum cisternae, which become vesicular. Analysis by isoelectric focusing shows that the amount of secretory protein increases with age until day 3, at which time the gland contains its full complement of secretion. In seminal vesicles from allatectomized insects, ultrastructural features of cells and isoelectric focusing patterns of the secretion arc identical to those from normal males.     

Ultrastructure of the sexual segments of the kidney in male and female lizards,Cnemidophorus l. lemniscatus (L.)

Summary Kidneys of adult male and female lizards were studied by electron microscopy, in order to understand the ultrastructure of the collecting duct and a differentiated part thereof, the sexual segment, which is an important accessory sexual organ. First portion of sexual segment in males: The cells are filled with large secretory granules of a wide range of opacities. The granular endoplasmic reticulum is abundant; basal formations of superimposed flat cisternae are frequent. Distended vesicles and microvesicles prevail in the supranuclear, well developed Golgi apparatus. Evidences indicate that secretion of these cells is holocrine. Second portion of sexual segment in males: All of the secretory granules are apical in location and relatively electron-opaque; they show a denser core. This core is formed by a substance which, after lying in contact with ribosomes, enters the secretory vesicles of the highly developed Golgi apparatus. A lighter substance is then condensed around it. The secretion of the granules is merocrine. The granular endoplasmic reticulum is very abundant in these cells, but basal ergastoplasmic formations are lacking. Sexual segment in females: The cells show features similar to those of the male first portion, but they are smaller. Undifferentiated collecting duct: Most of the cells are mucigenic. They have small ovoid, apical secretory granules. The density of the granules varies from cell to cell; when they are electron-lucent, they exhibit laminar or dotted opaque figures. Moderately developed Golgi apparatus and granular endoplasmic reticulum, as well as elongated mitochondria, occur in mucigenic cells. Intercalated among the latter are non-secretory cells. They have very abundant mitochondria, numerous microvilli, many pinocytic and smooth-membrane vesicles, whereas the organelles participating in synthetic processes are poorly developed; their function is most likely related to active solute transport.