Some histochemical features of anther wall of Leucojum aestivum (Amaryllidaceae) during pollen development

Abstract

In this study, polysaccharide and RNA contents of anthers were investigated on different phases of sporogenesis by using light microscopy techniques from histological and cytological point of view in Leucojum aestivum. Paraffin and semi-thin sections of anthers were stained with toluidine blue and PAS. Anthers were tetrasporangiate. The wall of the anther consists of an epidermis, endothecium, middle layer and glandular tapetum. During one nucleated microspore and mature pollen phase microspores and tapetum cells began to degenerate and they were become very rich of RNA in L. aestivum. And also RNA content was increased in endothecium and middle layer cells except the epidermis cells of anther wall. An increase in RNA content indicates cell activation. Polysaccharides were not seen in young anther wall but they were seen in older ones. They were generally condensed in the cell walls and especially in the cell walls of vascular bundles of connective tissue. This could be thought that insoluble polysaccharides were used in metabolic events in early developmental stages. Appearance of polysaccharides in late phases was indicated that polysaccharides were used in the formation of cuticule and differentiation of endothelium cell walls.