Calcium oxalate crystals in the mature seeds of Norway spruce, Picea abies (L.) Karst. |
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Authors: | E Tillman-Sutela Anneli Kauppi |
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Institution: | (1) Finnish Forest Research Institute, P.O. Box 16, FIN-96301 Rovaniemi, Finland e-mail: eila.tillman@metla.fi Fax: +358-16-3364640, FI;(2) Department of Biology, University of Oulu, FIN-90570 Oulu, Finland e-mail: anneli.kauppi@oulu,fi Fax: +358-8-5531061, FI |
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Abstract: | The morphology and location of crystals encountered in the mature seeds of Norway spruce, Picea abies (L.) Karst., were examined using light and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). Crystals of various forms
and sizes were discovered in different regions and tissues of seeds, particularly in the testa and the nucellus. Both solitary
crystals and druses were occasionally enveloped by protrusions of the megaspore membranes or the cuticle of the megagametophyte.
Histological studies and acid solubility tests coupled with analysis using energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis and X-ray
diffraction evinced the crystals as calcium oxalate, but were unable to identify different hydration forms. Calcium oxalate
crystals were most abundant in the damaged and infected tissues, and in the structures that desiccate during the development
of the seed. Based on these observations we concluded that the accumulation of calcium oxalate is a regular process belonging
to maturation and defense mechanism in spruce seeds.
Received: 1 July 1998 / Accepted: 20 September 1998 |
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Keywords: | Conifers Seed coat Nucellus Defense mechanism Morphology |
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