Glandular trichomes on the inflorescence of Chrysanthemum morifolium cv. Dramatic (Compositae). II. Ultrastructure and histochemistry

Abstract

Glandular trichomes on the inflorescence of Chrysanthemum morifolium cv. Dramatic are initiated from a single epidermal cell outgrowth and develop through an anticlinal division and a series of periclinal divisions to form a biseriate multicellular structure. Cells of the young trichome contain a large nucleus with prominent nucleoli and few small cellular organelles. Prior to the secretory stage, numerous ribosomes, polyribosomes, and dictyosomes are present in a dense cytoplasm but most of the dictyosomes are lost as secretion commences. Plastids in the stalk cells senesce but in a different manner than those in the upper tiers of secretory cells. Lipoidal substances form in the degenerating plastids. Cell wall ingrowths and the deposition of a flocculent material in the primary cell wall characterize secretory hairs. In very old hairs cellular lysis takes place with mitochondria being the last cellular organelle to remain intact. The secreted material, which collects in a subcuticular space, appears to be a terpenoid. The function of this material is not known.