The Ultrastructure and Analytical Microscopy of Silicon Deposition in the Intercellular Spaces of the Roots of Molinia caerulea (L.) Moench

Silicon accumulation in mature roots of Molinia caerulea (L.)Moench. was investigated by transmission electron and Cora analyticalmicroscopy. Deposits are located in the intercellular spaces(ICS) of the persistent cortical cells immediately externalto the endodermis. The earliest deposits are in the form ofspheres lining the cavities and are followed by further depositswhich eventually fill the ICS. Evidence is presented that priorto and during the earliest silicon formations, many ICS revealedthe presence of cell organelles. No silicon was detected inthe inner tangential walls of the endodermis. The results are discussed in relation to previous studies ofsilicon deposits in the roots of Molinia and to possible pathwaysresulting in deposits associated with the ICS. Molinia caerulea(L.) Moench, roots, silicon deposition, analytical microscopy