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Experimental modelling of exine self-assembly |
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| Authors: | ALAN R HEMSLEY FLS PAUL D JENKINS MARGARET E COLLINSON FLS BRIAN VINCENT |
| Institution: | Department of Earth Sciences, Universip of Wales Cardiff, PO Box 914, Cardiff CF1 3YE;School of Chemtkty, Bristol University, Cannock's Close, Bristol, BS8 1TS;Geology Department, Royal Holloway Universip of London, Egham, Surrey W20 1EX |
| Abstract: | Living and fossil megaspores produced by Selaginella (Lycopsida) and its extinct ancestors form distinctive (and occasionally iridescent) exines. Ultrastructural studies of these spores have provided data that demonstrate a colloidal mode of development which in turn implies a degree of self-assembly in the construction of these exines. We present here experimental evidence in support of the theory of selaginellalean megaspore exine construction by depletion flocculation. Iridescent colloidal flocculations of polystyrene latex particles demonstrate an ultrastructural organization virtually indistinguishable from that of the biological system, and clearly demonstrate that self-assembly of complex Selaginella exines by a relatively simple construction process is plausible. |
| Keywords: | colloid depletion flocculation polyballs polystyrene latex Selaginella ultrastructure |