Effects of Cytochalasin B on the Golgi Apparatus of Maize Root Cells

Abstract

Seedlings of maize (Zea mays L.) var. WF-9 X M-14 were exposed to cytochalasin B for 1/2, 1, and 2 hr at concentrations of 0, 10, and 100 ppm. The root tips were then fixed for electron microscopy and the epidermal and outer cap cells examined for changes in dictyosome form, intercisternal fibers or secretory vesicles.Cytochalasin B did not cause significant changes in dictyosome form (Fig. 1) or intercisternal fibers. However, it did induce alterations in the distribution patterns of Golgi apparatus-derived secretory vesicles.In epidermal and outer cap cells of the maize root, following cytochalasin B treatment, secretory vesicles accumulated within the central portions of the cytoplasm in those regions occupied by Golgi apparatus (Fig. 2, 3). Cytoplasmic regions along the cell surface were devoid of secretory vesicles, and very few vesicles were found at the cell surface (Fig. 2, 3). We interpret these findings to mean that secretory vesicles formed by the Golgi apparatus did not move to the cell surface, but accumulated at or near their sites of origin following treatment with cytochalasin B.