NaCl-induced amoeboid plastids and mitochondria in meristematic cells of barley roots

Abstract

The barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) seeds were germinated in the non-saline conditions after 12 h imbibition in 2 % of NaCl solution. The results of treatment were: (l) the membrane system in meristematic cells of root tips developed well; (2) many profiles of endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi bodies appeared; and (3) the quantities of amoeboid plastids and amoeboid mitochondria increased. Thus the inhibitory effects of short-term NaCl stress on plants were reversible, and simultaneously NaCl treatment enhanced the metabolic activities in cells. The amoeboid form may be an adaptive form of plastids or mitochondria to an enhanced metabolic activity.