Fine structure of plant cuticles in relation to water permeability: The fine structure of the cuticle of Clivia miniata reg. leaves |
| |
Authors: | T Mérida J Schönherr H W Schmidt |
| |
Institution: | (1) Lenrstuhl für Botanik, Technische Universität München, Arcisstraße 21, D-8000 München 2, Federal Republic of Germany;(2) Institut für Zellbiologie, Universität München, Goethestraße 33/II, D-8000 München 2, Federal Republic of Germany |
| |
Abstract: | The fine structure of the upper cuticular membrane (CM) of Clivia miniata leaves was investigated using electron microscopy. The CM is made up of a thin (130 nm) lamellated cuticle proper (CP) and a thick (up to 7 m over periclinal walls) cuticular layer (CL) of marbled appearance. Evidence is presented to show that the electron lucent lamellae of the CP do not simply represent layers of soluble cuticular lipids (SCL). Instead, the lamellation is probably due to layers of cutin differing in polarity. It is argued that the SCL in the Cp are the main barrier to water. Thickening of the CM during leaf development takes place by interposition of cutin between the CM and the cellin wall. The cutin of young, expanding leaves has a high affinity for KMnO4 and is therefore relatively polar. As leaves mature, the external CL underneath the CP becomes non-polar, as only little contrast can be obtained with permanganate as the post fixative.Abbreviations CM
cuticular membrane
- CP
cuticle proper
- CL
cuticular layer
- SCL
soluble cuticular lipids (cuticular waxes) |
| |
Keywords: | Clivia Cuticle development and fine structure Water permeability |
本文献已被 SpringerLink 等数据库收录! |
|