Abstract
Basal tissue of developing maize kernels was examined by light micros-copy and by scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Plasmodesmata occur in pedicel and endosperm parenchyma but were not seen between the placento-chalazal cells and basal endosperm transfer cells. A layer of noncellular material separates the transfer cells from the placentochalazal cells. Microautoradiography of (14)C-labeled assimilates entering the kernels revealed that incoming sugars are not confined to the apoplast, but rather are present in the cytoplasm and vacuoles of pedicel and endosperm cells. No specific accumulation of radioactivity was seen in any particular tissue, although at later sampling times, a higher grain density in the pedicel than the endosperm indicated a general buildup of sugars in the pedicel. A possible model for sugar movement into developing kernels is discussed.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.