BASIDIOSPORE INITIATION AND EARLY DEVELOPMENT IN COPRINUS CINEREUS

Early basidiospore development in Coprinus cinereus has been divided into four stages: 1) inception, 2) asymmetric growth, 3) equal enlargement, 4) elongation, all based on changes in spore size and shape, wall layering, and cytoplasm. The hilar appendix body formed on the adaxial side of the stage 1 basidiospore, persisted through all stages studied, and predicted the site of the hilar appendix. The hilar appendix formed in stage 2 by modification of certain wall layers. A band of peripheral endoplasmic reticulum covered an average of 38 % of the lower spore wall in stage 3 and was oriented around the axis of growth. Stage 4 was initiated by a break in wall layer 3 at the spore apex and the disappearance of the peripheral endoplasmic reticulum. A pore cap formed on the spore apex during spore elongation. The spore wall consisted at first of three layers and became six layered by deposition of layers between two of the initial layers. Cytoplasmic changes associated with spore growth included presence of small vesicles at stage 1 and larger Golgi vesicles later, absence of mitochondria and probable Golgi cisternae from the spore until stage 3, and presence of a zone nearly free of ribosomes and organelles under the spore apex in stage 4. Functions of the hilar appendix body, peripheral endoplasmic reticulum and the different wall layers in control of spore shape are discussed.     

CENTROSOMES AND MICROTUBULES DURING MEIOSIS IN THE MUSHROOM BOLETUS RUBINELLUS

The double centrosome in the basidium of Boletus rubinellus has been observed in three planes with the electron microscope at interphase preceding nuclear fusion, at prophase I, and at interphase I. It is composed of two components connected by a band-shaped middle part. At anaphase I a single, enlarged centrosome is found at the spindle pole, which is attached to the cell membrane. Microtubules mainly oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis of the basidium are present at prefusion, prophase I and interphase I. Cytoplasmic microtubules are absent when the spindle is present. The relationship of the centrosome in B. rubinellus to that in other organisms and the role of the cytoplasmic microtubules are discussed.     

FLORAL INITIATION AND EARLY DEVELOPMENT IN ERIGERON PHILADELPHICUS (ASTERACEAE)

The order of floral initiation and subsequent organogeny of Erigeron philadelphicus L. (Asteraceae: Astereae) was found to deviate from the acropetal pattern generally reported for the Asteraceae. Light micrographs show periclinal divisions in the first, second, and deeper subsurface layers of cells on the flanks of the inflorescence apex as the earliest evidence of floral initiation. Scanning electron microscope micrographs indicate that the disk flowers appear first and arise as small protuberances approximately one-third of the way up the previously and undifferentiated highly convex inflorescence apex. A succession of disk flowers arises acropetally in a complex anthotaxy characterized by about 21 dextrorse and 12–15 sinistrorse parastichies (although this pattern is obscured at the apex). After one to three disk flowers have been initiated in each parastichy, the first ray flower initials can be seen to initiate in sites proximal to the oldest and largest disk flowers. Additional ray flowers then initiate basipetally following the dextrorse parastichies established by the disk flowers. Overall floral initiation on the inflorescence apex proceeds acropetally for the disk flowers and basipetally for the ray flowers until the available space is filled. Floral development adheres to the same plan—proceeding bidirectionally on the inflorescence meristem with the oldest and most complete flowers of both types located on the equator established at initiation.     

FORMATION OF THE HILAR APPENDIX IN BASIDIOSPORES OF BOLETUS RUBINELLUS

The hilar appendix body is reported in the basidiospore primordium of Boletus rubinellus as well as the subsequent development of the hilar appendix through spore maturation. The hilar appendix body is similar in its morphology and pattern of development to that in Coprinus spp. The evolutionary implications of the results are discussed.     

SPORE GERMINATION AND EARLY DEVELOPMENT OF THE GAMETOPHYTE OF SCHIZAEA PUSILLA

During germination of the spore of Schizaea pusilla, the first division of the protoplast was perpendicular to the polar axis and resulted in the formation of the rhizoid. The next division parallel to the polar axis of the spore gave rise to the protonemal initial. Following this “Vittaria”-type germination, the protonema that developed was characterized by an extensive branching to produce uniseriate filaments and rhizoidophores.     

AXILLARY BUD DEVELOPMENT IN POPULUS DELTOIDES. I. ORIGIN AND EARLY ONTOGENY

Origin and early development of axillary buds on the apical shoot of a young Populus deltoides plant were investigated. The ontogenetic sequence of axillary buds extended from LPI –1 (Leaf Plastochron Index) near the apical bud base to LPI –11, the fifth primordium below the bud apex. Two original bud traces diverged from the central (C) trace of the axillant leaf and developed acropetally. During their acropetal traverse the original bud traces gave rise to three pairs of scale traces. All subsequent scale traces, and later the foliar traces, were derived by divergencies from the first two pairs of scale traces. Just before the bud vascular system separated from that of the main axis, a third pair of traces diverged from the original bud traces to vascularize the adaxial scale. Concomitantly, the original bud traces were inflected toward the main vascular cylinder where they developed acropetally and eventually merged with the left lateral trace of the leaf primordium situated three nodes above the axillant leaf; they did not participate in further vascularization of the bud. During early ontogeny a shell zone formed concurrent with initiation of the original bud traces and lay interjacent to them. The shell zone defined the position of the cleavage plane that formed between the axillary bud and the main axis. The axillary bud apex first appeared in the region bounded laterally by the original bud traces and adaxially by the shell zone. Following divergence of the main prophyll traces from the original bud traces, the apex assumed a new position intermediate to the prophyll traces. Ontogenetic development suggested that the axillary bud apex may have been initiated by the acropetally developing original bud traces under the influence of stimuli arising in more mature vegetative organs below.     

FOLIAR ONTOGENY AND HISTOGENESIS IN MAGNOLIA GRANDIFLORA L. I. APICAL ORGANIZATION AND EARLY DEVELOPMENT

Foliar ontogeny of Magnolia grandiflora was studied to elucidate possible unique features of evergreen leaves and their development. The apex of Magnolia grandiflora is composed of a biseriate or triseriate tunica overlying a central initial zone, a peripheral zone and a pith rib meristem. Leaf primordia are initiated by periclinal divisions on the apical flank of the tunica in its second layer. This initiation and expansion is seasonal just as in related deciduous magnolias. Following leaf initiation, a foliar buttress is formed and the leaf base gradually extends around the apex. As growth continues, separation of the leaf blade primordium from the stipule proceeds by intensified anticlinal divisions in the surface and subsurface layers near the base. Marginal growth begins in the blade primordium when it reaches approximately 200 μm in height and results in the formation of two wing-like extensions, the lamina. This young blade remains in a conduplicately folded position next to the stipule until bud break.     

EXPERIMENTAL STUDIES OF HAUSTORIUM INITIATION AND EARLY DEVELOPMENT IN AGALINIS PURPUREA (L.) RAF. (SCROPHULARIACEAE)

In parasitic angiosperms the haustorium, an organ specialized for attachment and penetration of host tissue, functions in the transport of water and nutrients from the host to the parasite. In Agalinis purpurea (L.) Raf. (Scrophulariaceae) these organs are initiated laterally along its roots, opposite a primary xylem pole. Analyses of haustoria distribution and cellular root profiles show that the portion of the root which is most sensitive to haustorial elicitor molecules is the area distal to the zone of elongation and near the root meristem. Sectioned material supports this finding and, further, indicates that the cells which are the first to respond to haustorial elicitors are located in the inner cortex. Haustoria develop rapidly in response to a host root or to isolated chemical elicitors (xenognosins) normally contained in host root exudate. By 6 hr, vacuolation and radial cellular enlargement are observed in the cortex, and a lateral swelling along the root is visible. By 12 hr, cells of the epidermis divide anticlinally to establish a group of densely cytoplasmic cells at the apex of the haustorial swelling. Accompanying these divisions is the differentiation of specialized hair cells which elongate from epidermal cells flanking the presumptive haustorial apex. Next, the internal, radially enlarged cortical cells divide periclinally. Periclinal divisions are subsequently initiated in the pericycle as early as 18 hr post-induction. Cellular division and enlargement continue so that by 24–36 hr a mature pre-contact haustorium is formed. There is a reduction in root elongation concomitant with haustorial initiation. Depending upon the number of haustoria produced, elongation typically returns to the preinduction level within 2 or 3 days.     

MORPHOLOGY OF SPORE DEVELOPMENT IN CLOSTRIDIUM PECTINOVORUM.

Fitz-James, Philip C. (University of Western Ontario, London, Ont., Canada). Morphology of spore development in Clostridium pectinovorum. J. Bacteriol. 84:104-114. 1962-The process of spore formation in Clostridium pectinovorum was followed by phase-contrast microscopy and by thin-section electron microscopy employing a polyester plastic for embedding. The development of the forespore membrane was found to be similar to that already described for the genus Bacillus, being, in addition, accompanied by considerable cell enlargement. The cortex, as in the bacilli, was found between the apposed layers of the double forespore membrane. The spore coat was laid down in the narrow zone of cytoplasm peripheral to the outer forespore membrane. As these layers formed, striking changes occurred in the fine structure of the spore nuclear material, mesosomes and ribosomes, reflecting the marked alterations in physical environment known to occur in a developing spore.     

MOLECULAR HETEROCHRONIES AND HETEROTOPIES IN EARLY ECHINOID DEVELOPMENT

By comparing the spatial and temporal distribution of three proteins during early development in seven echinoid species, we demonstrate that both heterochronies and heterotopies in gene-product expression have accompanied the radiation of post-Paleozoic echinoids. All three proteins examined showed significant alterations in time of expression, site of expression, or both. These molecular heterochronies and heterotopies indicate that early development is not necessarily as evolutionarily conservative as morphology of embryos alone would suggest. Evolutionary alterations in early development may be more common than is generally assumed.     

INITIATION AND DEVELOPMENT OF INFLORESCENCE AND FLOWER IN ANEMOPSIS CALIFORNICA (SAURURACEAE)

All flowers of Anemopsis californica, the most specialized taxon of the family Saururaceae, are initiated as individual primordia subtended by previously initiated bracts, in contrast to the common-primordium initiation of all flowers of Saururus cernuus and of most flowers of Houttuynia cordata. Floral symmetry is bilateral and zygomorphic, and the sequence of initiation among floral parts is paired or whorled. In A. californica, the six stamens arise as three common primordia, each of which later bifurcates to form a pair. The three common primordia occupy sites corresponding to the positions of the three stamens in H. cordata flowers. In Anemopsis, the filaments of each pair are connate. Each stamen pair is vascularized by a single bifurcating vascular bundle. The three carpels per flower are usually initiated simultaneously although there may be some variation. Adnation between stamens and carpels results from zonal growth. Downward extension of the locule, and proliferation and expansion of receptacular tissue and inflorescence cortical tissue around the locule below the bases of the carpels produce the inferior ovary. The inflorescence terminates its activity as a flattened apical residuum, surrounded by bracts subtending reduced flowers most of which have stamens only.     

LATE OVULE AND EARLY EMBRYO DEVELOPMENT IN QUERCUS GAMBELII

The ovary of Quercus gambelii is tricarpellary and trilocular; each locule contains two anatropous, bitegmic ovules. The formation of a caecum from a chalazal extension of the embryo sac was observed. A central resistant column of cells, which exhibit some continuity with the vascular trace supplying the ovule, remains protruding into the embryo sac from the chalaza until the later stages of embryo development. Early embryogeny is characterized by a nearly vertical first division with both of the derivative cells contributing to the building of the embryo proper. Such observations suggest that the embryogeny of Quercus should be placed in the Piperad or Asterad type rather than the Onagrad type as has been the practice.     

ULTRASTRUCTURAL STUDIES OF SPERMATOGENESIS IN THE ANTHOCEROTALES. I. THE BLEPHAROPLAST AND ANTERIOR MITOCHONDRION IN PHAEOCEROS LAEVIS: EARLY DEVELOPMENT

Electron microscopic examination of thin sections showed that the blepharoplast of a young spermatid of Phaeoceros consists of two side-by-side centrioles and an accumulation of osmiophilic, granular matrix at their proximal ends. Lying between these nearly parallel organelles is a dark-staining body that will later disappear at the onset of flagellogenesis. For a brief period the centrioles are oriented perpendicular to the nuclear surface so that the granular matrix at their proximal ends is confluent with the nuclear envelope; furthermore, the nucleoplasm immediately in front of the centrioles becomes densely staining. The multilayered structure (MLS) develops directly under the centrioles. It comprises a band of 12 microtubules (the S₁ stratum) and three lower strata (S_2–4) whose constitutent lamellae are oriented at an oblique angle to the S₁ axis. While the S₁ tubules grow rearward over the nucleus which forms a beak adjacent to the posterior end of the lamellar strata, the centrioles are transformed into basal bodies with the distal growth of the axonemes and the proximal growth of the central cartwheels and lowermost triplets. The proximal ends of the basal bodies and the S₁ tubules overlying the lamellar strata are invested with osmiophilic matrix that extends down to the S₂ layer and may temporarily occlude the lamellar plates. At the onset of nuclear elongation an anterior mitochondrion becomes situated close beneath the lamellar strata which extend laterally beyond the S₁ tubules.     

INITIATION AND DEVELOPMENT OF SHOOT-BUDS FROM PROTONEMATA IN THE MOSS PHYSCOMITRIUM TURBINATUM

Moss protonemata of Physcomitrium turbinatum were grown on mineral nutrient agar in culture tubes under various controlled conditions. By use of the described system individual cells of the protonema were discernible in situ and buds could be detected at the one-cell stage (initiation) and observed throughout their development. Buds normally arose by differentiation of a lateral filament near the apex of a growing caulonemal (heterotrichous) strand. Other modes of origin were erratic. From various other observations we conclude that the most pertinent morphological assays in studies of bud differentiation are growth of single caulonemal strands and the time they require to initiate a bud. A time course for bud development from the one-cell stage through the stage of leaf expansion is presented. At 26 C, 2 days elapse between these stages. From the time course, the time of bud initiation could be estimated with a probable accuracy of ±2 hr with only daily observations.     

GROWTH REGULATION BY ETHYLENE IN FERN GAMETOPHYTES. V. ETHYLENE AND THE EARLY EVENTS OF SPORE GERMINATION

Early events during the germination of spores of the fern Onoclea sensibilis were studied to determine the time during germination when ethylene had its greatest inhibiting effect. Water imbibition by dry spores was rapid and did not appear to be inhibited by ethylene. During normal germination DNA synthesis occurred about four hours before the nucleus moved from a central position to the spore periphery. Following nuclear movement, mitosis and cell division occurred, partitioning the spore into a small rhizoid cell and a large protonemal cell. Cell division was complete approximately six hours after nuclear movement. Ethylene treatment of the spores blocked DNA synthesis, nuclear movement, and cell division. The earliest DNA replication in uninhibited spores was observed after 14 hours of germination, and the maximal rate of spore labeling with ³H-thymidine was between 16 and 20 hours. Spores were most sensitive to ethylene, however, during the stages of germination prior to DNA synthesis, and it was concluded that ethylene did not directly inhibit DNA replication but blocked germination at some earlier fundamental step. The effects of ethylene were reversible. since complete recovery from inhibition of germination was possible if ethylene was released and the spores were kept in light. Recovery was much slower in darkness. It was hypothesized that light acted photosynthetically to overcome the ethylene inhibition of germination. Consistent with this, it was shown that spores exhibit net photosynthesis after only two hours of germination.     

REPRODUCTIVE DEVELOPMENT IN LOBLOLLY PINE: I. THE EARLY DEVELOPMENT OF MALE AND FEMALE STROBILI IN RELATION TO THE LONG SHOOT GROWTH BEHAVIOR

The timing and patterns of initiation and differentiation of strobili on three clones of loblolly pine located in Washington, N.C., were similar, although the cone-producing abilities of these clones were significantly different over a 5-yr period. Male strobili were initiated in early July and were differentiated by mid-September. Female strobili were initiated about the last week in August and were fully differentiated by mid-November. There were significant differences in the developmental patterns of the long shoots on these three clones.