On the interpretation of twisted patterns in elongating plant cell wall: Informations obtained with ultracryotomy

Abstract

Ultracryotomy, which gives anin situ visualization of wall subunits, was used to study the texture of elongating wall of mung bean hypocotyl (Phaseolus aureus). The criss-crossed texture of the wall was confirmed. The controversed disposition of the subunits in twisted patterns was analyzed on the basis of observations of oblique sections on which a mild extraction may be performed. Despite the twisted appearance within one sectioning plane, no curved subunits were seen running between the criss-crossed layers. The results confirmed that the appearance of arcs is an illusion due to thin sectioning of successive strata in which the orientation of subunits rotates.