Differences in Nuclear Properties in Inner and Outer Epidermis of <i>Allium cepa</i> Bulb Scales

Abstract

Nuclear area of outer epidermal cells of white onion bulb scales was 55% of those of inner epidermis (3.80×10-6cm2 compared to 6.92), dry mass per unit area was 71% of that in inner epidermis (9.67×10-5g/cm2 compared to 13.57), and nuclear dry mass was 40% of that of inner epidermis (3.71×10-10g compared to 9.29). We conclude that although they have a common origin, the cells of these tissues are morphologically, cytologically, and physiologically different.