The wall structure of the ‘reticulate’ cells ofConocephalum conicum(L.) Dum., observed by SEM

Abstract

SEM observations on the thallus of Conocephalum conicum after treatment with sodium hypochlorite show that the walls of the ‘reticulate’ cells constituting the hyaline parenchyma have thickenings (the ‘bars’) and large primary pit fields with a huge number of plasmodesmata-derived pores, on the unthickened areas of the walls. By contrast the parenchymatous cells constituting the nerve have plasmodesmata-derived pores, grouped in small sparse fields, especially on the transverse and oblique walls. It is suggested that the reticulate cells playa role in lateral distribution by symplastic and apoplastic conduction of solutes carried by the midrib.