Microtubules and angiosperm bordered pit formation

Abstract

Microtubules have been shown to run around the perimeter of the pit aperture of developing bordered pits of Salix fragilis, L. These microtubules are parallel to the microfibrils being produced and do not converge with them. Although microtubules may be parallel to microfibrils in differentiating vessel elements as well as in fibres, many cases have been found where microtubules are not so orientated. There is no direct evidence for the involvement of microtubules in the orientation of microfibrils in the secondary wall, although their position during wall synthesis suggests some ancillary role.