Cotton embryogenesis: The pollen tube in the stigma and style

Summary The ultrastructure and composition of the pollen tube of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) growing in the tissues of the stigma and style of the flower were examined. The distal portion of the tube is densely cytoplasmic and contains the vegetative nucleus and the two sperms. The vegetative nucleus is highly convoluted and the membrane contains many pores and connections with the ER. No organized nucleolus is present but 4–6 membrane-bound, protein containing bodies are found in the nucleus. Mitochondria containing numerous cristae are abundant in the cytoplasm. Dictyosomes are also plentiful and are engaged in the production of many large vesicles. Rough ER is conspicuous and polysomes are found in the cytoplasm. Plastids are few in number, poorly developed, and contain little starch. Many uniform, small vesicles are found throughout the cytoplasm. Lipid bodies frequently with small vesicles associated with them are found in the tube. In the proximal region vacuoles form and the cytoplasm becomes pressed against the wall. In the transition zone the ER frequently becomes distended and filled with protein. The wall has two distinct layers: one strongly PAS positive, the other faintly PAS positive. The inner wall is apparently formed by the deposition of large dictyosome vesicles. Plug structure and development were studied.