Enzyme Degradation of <i>Lychnis alba</i> Pollen Tube Walls

Abstract

In enzyme treatment studies of Lychnis alba pollen tubes, cellulase activity degraded 100-200A fibers associated with wall material and intracytoplasmic fibrillar masses. The wall behind the pollen tube tip is twolayered with the inner layer being composed primarily of an amorphous pectinaceous substance. Terminal wall material was demonstrated to be removed by low pH (5.0-5.5) regardless of the enzyme treatment, indicating a lack of structural polymerization of the wall components. No callose has been demonstrated in the walls of L. alba pollen tubes.