Development of Casparian bands and suberin lamellae in the endodermis of onion roots

Abstract

The endodermal Casparian band in onion (Allium cepa L.) roots is first evident 10 mm from the apex. It occupies a small region (20–30%) in the middle of the radial wall for a distance of 70 mm from the apex. However, with the development of suberin lamellae in most cells at greater distances from the root tip, the band expands symmetrically through the wall until, at 80 mm from the root tip, it fills the entire radial wall. Passage cells overlying some xylem poles have a delayed development of suberin lamellae, and in these cells the Casparian bands remain narrow. The sensitive stain, Fluorol yellow 088, detects precursors of the suberin lamellae in the outer tangential walls of the endodermal cells. The presence of complete lamellae is indicated by Sudan red 7B staining and resistance to acid digestion. Growth of the Casparian band during suberin lamella development may play a role in maintaining the apoplastic barrier in this layer by enlarging the contact area between the band and the lamellae. Key words: Casparian band, endodermis, suberin lamella, Allium cepa.