Abstract
The root epidermal mucilage is an important structure at the rootsoil interface, but its composition is not fully understood. In contrast to the root cap mucilage, the epidermal mucilage layer is firmly attached to the cell walls and cannot be collected easily in water. In this work, we examined histochemically the compounds present in the epidermal mucilage of Zea mays L. and Triticum aestivum L., as well as its anisotropic characteristics. Birefringence analysis showed a highly crystalline array of microfibrils arranged parallel to the root surface. Tests for lignin, lipophilic compounds, pectin, callose, and cellulose detected only the two latter compounds. Callose occurred sporadically as interrupted deposits in the epidermal mucilage and was detected in only a few plants. Cellulose was the main compound of this layer. We speculate that the epidermal mucilage is synthesized by the root epidermal cells and is firmly anchored to the wall at so many points as to give the appearance of being part of the cell wall. The cellulose present in the outer surface of the roots may act as a filtering mesh and a barrier to the external environment. The epidermal mucilage may also be involved in protection against physical, biological, and chemical agents.Key words: cell wall, root mucilage, cellulose, rhizosphere, maize.
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