Anticlinal Cell Walls Research Articles

Anatomical characterization of Semi-arid Bignoniaceae using light and scanning electron microscopy

BackgroundThe present research work was done to evaluate the anatomical differences among selected species of the family Bignoniaceae, as limited anatomical data is available for this family in Pakistan. Bignoniaceae is a remarkable family for its various medicinal properties and anatomical characterization is an important feature for the identification and classification of plants.Methodology: In this study, several anatomical structures were examined, including stomata type and shape, leaf epidermis shape, epidermal cell size, and the presence or absence of trichomes and crystals (e.g., prisms, raphides, and druses). Three statistical tools—heat map analysis, correlation analysis, and principal component analysis (PCA)—were used to highlight distinctions and similarities among the species.ResultsOn both the upper and lower leaf surfaces, polygonal, irregular, and hexagonal epidermal cells with thick cell walls were observed. Three patterns of anticlinal cell walls were detected: curved, straight, and sinuous. Distinct stomatal types were also identified across the different species. For instance, sunken stomata were observed in Kigelia africana and Jacaranda mimosaefolia, while anomocytic stomata were found in Oroxylum indicum, Pyrostegia venusta, Tecoma stans, Tecomella undulata, Mansoa alliacea, Heterophragma adenophylla, Handroanthus impetiginosus, Campsis radicans, and Anemopaegma chamberlaynii. Paracytic stomata were examined in B. callistegioides and Dolichandra unguis-cati. Tabebuia aurea was the only species with Tetracytic stomata. A contiguous type of stomata was only observed in Millingtonia hortensis. This family contained three types of trichomes. Glandular peltate trichomes contained a basal epidermal cell, a very small monocellular stalk and a circular or round multicellular head containing 12 cells arranged in a single circle. Non-glandular trichomes had a thin apex without a head and a pointed end. Branched trichomes contained several arms arising from a common base.ConclusionThis anatomical examination, using advanced microscopic techniques, is the first to classify several species that are not listed in the e-flora of Pakistan. Leaf anatomical research has proven valuable in resolving challenging taxonomic issues.

A Electron micrograph of the leaf epidermal structure of legumes

Our goal was to find morphological features that can help us identify or describe the stomata ontogeny and epidermal structures. Our team got seeds of two types of leguminous plants—Arachis hypogaea L. groundnuts and Vigna subterranean L. bambaranuts—from the Kano State Agricultural and Rural Development Authority and the Yankaba market in Nassarawa, which is in Kano State. The study specifically evaluated the leaf epidermal studies, stomata development (ontogeny), types of stomata, stomata size, pore length, pore width, and stomata index in both the surfaces of the leaves. We conducted ontogenetic studies using safety razor blades on the epidermal layers. We determined the stomata index by studying the type of stomata, the number of stomata, and the number of epidermal cells. We subjected the obtained data to a one-way analysis of variance. All the studied varieties/species exhibited amphistomatic stomata on both surfaces, with a higher density on the lower surface. In SAMNUT 23, we found the paracytic type of stomata, which is perigynous and has an irregular anticlinal cell wall. In Dandakar, we found the tetracyclic type, which is mesogynous and has a pentagonal epidermal cell shape and a slightly straight anticlinal cell wall. Finally, in Bambara nuts, we found the endocytic type, which is polygonal with a curved anticlinal wall and a mesoperigynous ontogeny.

Seed morphology of Cuscuta L. (Convolvulaceae) in Turkey and its systematic importance

Seed morphologies of 14 Cuscuta taxa from Turkey were examined by light (LM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Seed shapes, sizes, epidermal cell shapes, anticlinal/periclinal cell walls and surface patterns of macro and micro morphological features were determined. Seed epidermis cell shapes were generally either irregular or polygonal. The surface pattern was mostly reticulate. This research revealed that Cuscuta species in Turkey have different seed morphologies. The results obtained will aid in the taxonomic evaluation of morphologically closely related species.

LEAF ANATOMICAL ADAPTATIONS OF FOURTEEN TREE SPECIES GROWING IN LAGOS STATE UNIVERSITY, OJO CAMPUS. LAGOS, NIGERIA

Plants growing in different locations exhibit various anatomical adaptations which make them survive in their various habitats. Therefore, this study examined the leaf anatomical adaptations of fourteen tree species namely Acacia auriculiformis, Albizia lebbeck, Anacardium occidentale, Azadirachta indica, Carica papaya, Delonix regia, Gmelina arborea, Lagestroemia speciosa, Mangifera indica, Polyalthia longifolia, Tectona grandis, Terminalia catappa, Terminalia ivoriensis and Yucca gigantea growing in Lagos State University, Ojo Campus.. The leaf epidermal layers were isolated using nail polish; and were observed under the light microscope to determine the stomata features, epidermal cell and trichome types. The results showed that all the species were hypostomatic, with the exception of Acacia auriculiformis and Terminalia ivorensis that were amphistomatic. Eight stomatal complex types such as anomotetracytic, staurocytic, anisosytic, brachyparacytic, paracytic, pericytic, brachyparatetracytic and anomocytic were observed among the species. The stomatal density ranged from 46.05 mm-2 342.11 mm-2 on both leaf surfaces. The stomatal index ranged from 16.17% - 91.23% on both leaf surfaces. Trichomes were found in Albizia lebbeck, Delonix regia, Gmelina arborea, Polyalthia longifolia, Tectona grandis and Terminali aivorensis. The anticlinal cell wall patterns observed were round, curved, wavy and straight; while the epidermal cell shapes were irregular, isodiametric and polygonal. This study revealed that leaf anatomical adaptations such as amphistomatic leaf type, presence of stomatal complex types (anomocytic, anomotetracytic, brachyparatetracytic, staurocytic and anisocytic) with many subsidiary cells; high stomatal density and index; absence of trichomes; and wavy anticlinal cell wall pattern might be responsible for survival of the species in their locations.

Seed morphology in the genus Matthiola R. Br. (Brassicaceae): Identification of species and systematic implications

AbstractSeed coat morphology of 34 species of Matthiola R.Br. has been studied using light and scanning electron microscopy to assess their investigative value for systematic studies. Macro‐ and micromorphological characters, including seed shape, color, size, wing, and radicle position relative to cotyledons, epidermal cell shape, anticlinal boundaries, and periclinal cell wall are presented. Seed shape, color, and radicle position relative to cotyledons have limited taxonomic significance, as their variation is unhelpful. There against, seed size, wing, and seed coat ornamentation present informative characteristics that can be used professionally in distinguishing the studied taxa. Six different types of seed anticlinal cell wall boundaries are recognized and five different outer periclinal cell wall shapes are described. The sculpture of the secondary cell wall varies from striate, micropapillate to microreticulate, and smooth to fine folds. The taxonomic and phylogenetic implications of seed coat micromorphology were compared with those of the existing gross morphological and molecular data. Seed character analysis offered useful data for evaluating the taxonomy of Matthiola both on subgeneric and sectional levels. Seed micromorphological characters provide evidence that M. odoratissima and M. ovatifolia should be preserved as separate species. In addition, M. ghorana is not conspecific with M. graminea. Furthermore, M. tricuspidata was unique in the seed characters. A key to the identification of the examined taxa based on seed characters is provided.

Spatiotemporal deposition of cell wall polysaccharides in oat endosperm during grain development.

Oat (Avena sativa) is a cereal crop whose grains are rich in (1,3;1,4)-β-D-glucan (mixed-linkage glucan or MLG), a soluble dietary fiber. In our study, we analyzed oat endosperm development in 2 Canadian varieties with differing MLG content and nutritional value. We confirmed that oat undergoes a nuclear type of endosperm development but with a shorter cellularization phase than barley (Hordeum vulgare). Callose and cellulose were the first polysaccharides to be detected in the early anticlinal cell walls at 11 days postemergence (DPE) of the panicle. Other polysaccharides such as heteromannan and homogalacturonan were deposited early in cellularization around 12 DPE after the first periclinal walls are laid down. In contrast to barley, heteroxylan deposition coincided with completion of cellularization and was detected from 14 DPE but was only detectable after demasking. Notably, MLG was the last polysaccharide to be laid down at 18 DPE within the differentiation phase, rather than during cellularization. In addition, differences in the spatiotemporal patterning of MLG were also observed between the 2 varieties. The lower MLG-containing cultivar AC Morgan (3.5% w/w groats) was marked by the presence of a discontinuous pattern of MLG labeling, while labeling in the same walls in CDC Morrison (5.6% w/w groats) was mostly even and continuous. RNA-sequencing analysis revealed higher transcript levels of multiple MLG biosynthetic cellulose synthase-like F (CSLF) and CSLH genes during grain development in CDC Morrison compared with AC Morgan that likely contributes to the increased abundance of MLG at maturity in CDC Morrison. CDC Morrison was also observed to have smaller endosperm cells with thicker walls than AC Morgan from cellularization onwards, suggesting the processes controlling cell size and shape are established early in development. This study has highlighted that the molecular processes influencing MLG content and deposition are more complex than previously imagined.

Red-Light Transmittance Changes in Variegated Pelargonium zonale-Diurnal Variation in Chloroplast Movement and Photosystem II Efficiency.

Chloroplast movement rapidly ameliorates the effects of suboptimal light intensity by accumulating along the periclinal cell walls, as well as the effects of excess light by shifting to the anticlinal cell walls. These acclimation responses are triggered by phototropins located at the plasma membrane and chloroplast envelope. Here, we used a recently developed non-invasive system sensitive to very small changes in red light leaf transmittance to perform long-term continuous measurements of dark-light transitions. As a model system, we used variegated Pelargonium zonale leaves containing green sectors (GS) with fully developed chloroplasts and achlorophyllous, white sectors (WS) with undifferentiated plastids, and higher phototropin expression levels. We observed biphasic changes in the red-light transmittance and oscillations triggered by medium intensities of white light, described by a transient peak preceded by a constant decrease in transmittance level. A slight change in red-light transmittance was recorded even in WS. Furthermore, the chloroplast position at lower light intensities affected the rapid light curves, while high light intensity decreased saturated electron transport, maximum quantum efficiency of photosystem II, and increased non-photochemical quenching of chlorophyll fluorescence and epidermal flavonoids. Our results extend the knowledge of light-dependent chloroplast movements and thus contribute to a better understanding of their role in regulating photosynthesis under fluctuating light conditions.

Chloroplast photoprotection: face the light or run and hide?

Chloroplast photoprotection: face the light or run and hide?

Morphology, Taxonomy, Anatomy, and Palynology of the Opium Poppy (Papaver somniferum L.) Cultivation in Northern Thailand.

In this paper, we present the morphology, taxonomy, anatomy, and palynology of Papaver somniferum. A detailed morphological description and illustrations of the species are provided, along with information about the identification, distribution, cultivation areas, habitats, pollinators, specimens examined, growing periods, phenology, etymology, vernacular name, and uses. The species can be characterized as a glabrous and glaucous herb with unlobed or pinnately lobed leaves, and an amplexicaul base; variations in color and morphological characteristics of petals; and white filaments, occasionally purple with a white basal part, broadened at the apical part. Two rings of discontinuous and widely spaced collateral vascular bundles are recognized in the transverse section of the stems. The shape of epidermal cells on the adaxial surface is polygonal, while that on the abaxial surface is polygonal or irregular. The anticlinal cell walls of the epidermal cells on the adaxial surface are straight or slightly curved, while those on the abaxial surface are straight, slightly curved, sinuate, or strongly sinuate. The stomata are anomocytic and are confined to the lower epidermis. The stomatal density is 54-199/mm2 (with a mean of 89.29 ± 24.97). The mesophyll is not distinctly differentiated into palisade and spongy regions. Laticifers are found in the phloem areas of the stems and leaves. The pollen grains can be spheroidal or prolate spheroidal in shape, sometimes oblate spheroidal [polar axis (P) diameter/equatorial axis (E) diameter ratio = 0.99-1.12 (with a mean of 1.03 ± 0.03)]. The pollen aperture is tricolpate and the exine sculpturing is microechinate.

Pharmacobotanical study of Psychotria carthagenensis Jacq. (Rubiaceae), a species known as toxic and medicinal

Psychotria carthagenensis (Rubiaceae), popularly known as “erva-de-rato”, is known as poisonous, and its leaves are used as a constituent of “ayahuasca”. An anatomical study of its leaves was carried out to define parameters to support its taxonomy and quality control of ethnodrugs. Transverse and paradermic sections of petioles and leaf blades were made following the usual techniques of botanical anatomy. All semi-permanent laminas were then analyzed and photographed by light microscopy. Leaf blades were also studied with the support of the scanning electron microscope. Psychotria carthagenensis has hypostomatic epidermis, 1-2-stratified, in cross section, with three types of stomata (paracytic, anisocytic and anomocytic), and predominantly straight anticlinal cell walls, in frontal view, and glandular-peltate trichomes on both surfaces, the cuticle is smooth and thickened. The leaf edges are acute, mesophyll dorsiventral with the palisade parenchyma 1-seriate, and spongy parenchyma 4-seriate. The midrib is flat-convex with 4 bundles; petiole is semicircular with lateral projections with 9 vascular bundles. Midrib and petiole have collateral vascular system. Anisocytic and anomocytic stomata, glandular-peltate trichomes, petiole with the central bundle invaginate at the end, the syntopism of epicuticular waxes are distinctive parameters for P. carthagenensis, which support the standardization of its leaves used as medicines, in addition to contributing to the systematic of the Psychotria genus.

Dark-induced chloroplast relocation depends on actin filaments in the liverwort Apopellia endiviifolia along with the light- and cold-induced relocations.

Chloroplasts move to the periclinal walls of cells under weak light to harness light energy for photosynthesis and to anticlinal walls to avoid strong light. These responses involve the cytoskeleton components microtubules and/or actin filaments. In the dark, chloroplasts move to the anticlinal cell walls bordering neighbouring cells (dark-positioning response), but this response in various plants normally requires a prolonged dark incubation period, which has hampered analysis. However, we recently demonstrated the dark-positioning response that can be induced after a short period of dark incubation in the liverwort Apopellia endiviifolia. Here, we investigated whether the cytoskeleton components function in the dark-positioning response of A. endiviifolia cells. Microtubules and actin filaments were fluorescentlyvisualised in A. endiviifolia cells and were disrupted following treatment with the microtubule and actin filament polymerisation inhibitors. The dark-positioning response was unaffected in the cells with disrupted microtubules. By contrast, the dark-positioning response was inhibited by the disruption of actin filaments. The disruption of actin filaments also restricted chloroplast mobility during light- and cold-dependent chloroplast movements in A. endiviifolia. Therefore, the dark-positioning response of A. endiviifolia depends solely on an actin filament-associated motility mechanism, as do the light- and cold-dependent chloroplast responses.

Micromorphology of leaflets of Senna series Bacillares (Leguminosae) and its taxonomic significance

Senna ser. Bacillares (Benth.) H.S.Irwin & Barneby comprises approximately 50 species, 23 of which are found in Brazil. Micromorphological studies of the leaflet epidermis were performed on ten species of Senna ser. Bacillares collected in the Atlantic Forest north of the São Francisco River, in Northeastern Brazil, to identify qualitative and quantitative characters supporting their taxonomy. All species showed a uniseriate epidermis, hypostomatic leaflets, and more than one type of stomata (the paracytic type being predominant). Different types of epicuticular waxes were observed, including microplatelets as rosettes (characteristic of Fabaceae), fissured layers, and membranous platelets. A glabrous epidermis on both surfaces was characteristic of Senna splendida (Vogel) H.S.Irwin & Barneby, and disperse trichomes were observed on the abaxial surface of Senna quinquangulata (Rich.) H.S.Irwin & Barneby. Straight to curved anticlinal cell walls were observed in most species, the curved pattern was exclusive to Senna quinquangulata and sinuous types on the abaxial surfaces of Senna macranthera (DC. ex Collad.) H.S.Irwin & Barneby and Senna splendida. A papillose epidermis on the abaxial surface was common to seven species. Four types of stomata were observed, including the anomotetracytic type, which has not been previously reported in Senna Mill. Spherical crystals and crystal sand are reported here for Senna for the first time. Those sets of micromorphological characters provide additional subsidies for the taxonomy of Senna ser. Bacillares, as well as for the genus Senna.

Leaf anatomical characters variation of Strobilanthes s.l. from Sumatra, Indonesia and its taxonomic implications

Abstract. Suratman, Suranto, Muzzazinah, Purnomo. 2022. Leaf anatomical characters variation of Strobilanthes s.l. from Sumatra, Indonesia and its taxonomic implications. Biodiversitas 23: 3705-3720. The objective of this study was to evaluate leaf anatomical character variation among species of Strobilanthes s.l. from Sumatra. A total of 35 species from four genera previously recognized within the subtribe Strobilanthineae (Strobilanthes, Hemigraphis, Sericocalyx, Semnostachya) were used for leaf paradermal section observations. A total of seventeen leaf anatomical characters consisting of ten quantitative and seven qualitative characters were selected for leaf anatomical comparison. The quantitative and qualitative character analysis showed great variability in the majority of tested leaf anatomical characters. This result indicates the large diversity of leaf anatomical characters occurs among species of Strobilanthes s.l. A similarity dendrogram among species of Strobilanthes s.l. based leaf anatomical character data revealed two major clusters. The first cluster consists of eleven species with regular epidermal cell shape and straight cell wall with a similarity coefficient of 0.67. The second cluster consists of twenty four species that differed from species in the first cluster due to their irregular epidermal cell shape and undulate anticlinal cell wall with a similarity coefficient of 0.59. This study indicates that leaf anatomical characters are valuable taxonomic features in taxa delimitation at the species level. The results of this study also support earlier works through molecular studies that all members of the Strobilanthinae then accepted as Strobilanthes s.l. group which could not be easily split into smaller component genera.

Evolution and Taxonomic Significance of Seed Micromorphology in Impatiens (Balsaminaceae).

Impatiens is one of the most species-rich genera of angiosperms, with more than 1,000 species distributed in Eurasia and Africa. Previous studies have shown that seeds of Impatiens display enormous morphological diversity, and seed micromorphology may contribute to the classification of those species. However, the micromorphological seed coat characteristics of Impatiens seeds have not been systematically studied. In this study, we examined 117 Impatiens seeds from two subgenera and seven sections, and analyzed the seed characters of shape, primary ornamentation, secondary ornamentation, anticlinal cell wall, and periclinal cell wall. We discovered that, according to the different shapes of ornamentation, seed coat can be divided into three types, viz, reticulate type, protrusive type, appendicular type, and that they can be further subdivided into 10 subtypes. In addition, the characteristics of seed coat ornamentation with taxonomic significance in this genus are discussed. We reconstructed the ancestral states of the above seed characters of the Impatiens using the maximum likelihood approach based on the reconstructed phylogenetic framework. The seed character reconstruction showed that the seed shape, primary ornamentation, and anticlinal cell wall could be identified as unambiguous, while other characters were ambiguous in the last common ancestor of Impatiens. Reconstruction of important seed morphological characters showed that the secondary ornamentation possesses high plasticity, and the primary ornamentation has high homology. In addition, we inferred the evolutionary trends of seed ornamentation and found that the seed coat ornamentation of Impatiens experienced a complex evolutionary process from a reticulate type into more complex types. We also discussed the relationship between seed coat diversity vs. environmental adaptation and seed dispersal in Impatiens.

Leaf epidermal and petiole anatomical features as taxonomic characters in some Vernonia species in Nigeria

Foliar and petiole micro-morphological characteristics of some members of the genus Vernonia namely; Vernonia amygdalina Del. (bitter variety), Vernonia amygdalina Del. (non-bitter variety), Vernonia cinerea (L) Less., Vernonia galamensis (Cass.) Less., and Vernonia adoensis Sch. Bip. in Jos, Nigeria was investigated to provide additional micro-morphological characters to support existing taxonomic information regarding the species. Epidermal peels of fresh leaves were made and transverse sections of petioles were cut using a rotary microtome. Staining was done using Safranin and slides observed using a light microscope. Quantitative characters were measured and subjected to Duncan Multiple Range Test. Stomatal distribution was amphistomatic except for V. galamensis and V. cinerea with hypostomatic distribution; stomata type was mostly anomocytic except V. galamensis with paracytic stomata. Stomata index varied among taxa with V. adoensis and V. amygdalina (bitter variety) having the highest (10.84 %) and lowest (0.67%) respectively. Anticlinal cell wall patterns were straight to slightly undulate while wavy anticlinal cell wall pattern was diagnostic to V. cinerea. Trichome types observed were glandular and multicellular uniseriate with highest and lowest trichome indices recorded in V. adoensis (2.80%) and V. galamensis (0.02%) respectively. Petiole outline was convex to concave, epidermis was uniseriate, trichome multicellular uniseriate and vascular bundles bicollateral. Variations observed in the stomatal complex, epidermal cell complex, petiole outline, petiole vasculature type, trichome and stomata indices could be employed for species identification and delimitation.

Using Changes in Leaf Transmission to Investigate Chloroplast Movement in Arabidopsis thaliana.

Chloroplast movement in leaves has been shown to help minimize photoinhibition and increase growth under certain conditions. Much can be learned about chloroplast movement by studying the chloroplast positioning in leaves using e.g., confocal fluorescence microscopy, but access to this type of microscopy is limited. This protocol describes a method that uses the changes in leaf transmission as a proxy for chloroplast movement. If chloroplasts are spread out in order to maximize light interception, the transmission will be low. If chloroplasts move towards the anticlinal cell walls to avoid light, the transmission will be higher. This protocol describes how to use a straightforward, home-built instrument to expose leaves to different blue light intensities and quantify the dynamic changes in leaf transmission. This approach allows researchers to quantitatively describe chloroplast movement in different species and mutants, study the effects of chemicals and environmental factors on it, or screen for novel mutants e.g., to identify missing components in the process that leads from light perception to the movement of chloroplasts.

Apoplasmic barrier in the extrafloral nectary of Citharexylum myrianthum (Verbenaceae)

The cytological changes underlying the formation of an apoplasmic barrier in the multi-layered extrafloral nectaries of Citharexylum myrianthum are compatible with the synthesis, transport and deposition of suberin. In terms of ontogenesis and function, the intermediate layers of these nectaries are homologous with the stalks of nectar-secreting trichomes. Anticlinal cell wall impregnations are common in trichomatic nectaries and their functions as endodermis-like barriers have been discussed because of possible direct effects on the nectary physiology, mainly in the nectar secretion and resorption. However, the cytological events linked to nectary wall impregnations remain little explored. This study documents the ontogenesis and the fine structure of the EFN cells, and cytological events linked to the wall impregnations of multi-layered extrafloral nectaries (EFNs) in Citharexylum myrianthum Cham. (Verbenaceae). EFNs are patelliform, and differentiated into (a) a multicellular foot, which is compound in structure and vascularised with phloem strands, (b) a bi-layered intermediate region with thickened cell walls and (c) a single-layered secretory region with palisade-like cells. EFNs are protodermal in origin, starting with a single protodermal cell and ending with the complex, multi-layered structure. The cell wall impregnations first appear in the very young EFN and increase towards maturity. Lipid patches (assumed to be suberin) are deposited on the inner faces of the primary walls, first along the anticlinal walls and then extend to the periclinal walls. On both walls, plasmodesmata remain apparently intact during the maturation of the EFNs. In the peripheral cytoplasm there are abundant polymorphic plastids, well-developed Golgi bodies often close to rough endoplasmic reticulum profiles, mitochondria and polyribosomes. Cytological events linked to the wall impregnations are consistent with suberin synthesis, transport and deposition. Our findings offer new insights into the structure-properties of specialised nectary cell walls and so should contribute to our knowledge of the physiological and protective roles of this structure in nectar glands.

Adaptation and taxonomic value of leaf anatomical characteristics of selected Ipomoea L. species

Aim: To investigate the taxonomic value of leaf anatomical characteristics and to determine the anatomical features that enabled the species to adapt to different environmental conditions. Methodology: Three methods were applied for leaf anatomy observation: sectioning using a sliding microtome, leaf clearing and epidermal peels. Results: The findings showed some common anatomical characteristics shared in all species studied, such as incomplete leaf venation, the presence of trichome and schlerenchyma cells, and the presence of mucilaginous idioblast cells in the petiole and midrib. Straight-to-sinuous anticlinal cell walls, amphistomatic leaves, and three types of stomata: parasitic, anomocytic and staurocytic were on the abaxial side of leaf lamina in this study. Peltate and capitate glandular trichome, as well as simple trichome, were all present in the petiole, midrib and lamina. However, peltate glandular trichome were only found in the root of I. triloba. Druses were observed in all species, except I. batatas. Interpretation: Leaf anatomical characteristics possess taxonomic value, especially in species differentiation and identification, that can be subsequently useful in explaining plant's adaptation to their environment.

Micromorphological differentiation of Korean Disporum species using light and scanning electron microscopy.

The genus Disporum Salisb. is widely distributed in East Asia, yet phylogenetically relevant morphological traits useful for differentiating many of the small, perennial, herbaceous species remain poorly described. To address this, leaf, floral, pollen, and orbicule micromorphology of four Korean Disporum species was investigated using light and scanning electron microscopy. All Korean Disporum species examined had hypostomatic leaves, with anomocytic stomatal complexes found only on the abaxial epidermis. Guard cell length varied among species, ranging from 44.30 μm in D. viridescens to 53.49 μm in D. uniflorum. The epidermal cells of the investigated Disporum taxa had sinuate anticlinal cell walls on both adaxial and abaxial surfaces. The surface of the guard and subsidiary cells were either smooth with weak striations or had strongly wrinkled striations. The pollen grains of all Korean Disporum taxa were monads, monosulcate with granular aperture membranes, subprolate to prolate in shape with microreticulate or verrucate exine surfaces. The mean size of pollen grains ranged from 46.38 to 49.92 μm in polar length and from 34.39 to 39.58 μm in equatorial diameter across species. Sexine ornamentation was a taxonomically relevant trait for differentiating Korean Disporum taxa. Additionally, the presence of orbicules as well as the orbicular characters (e.g., size, shape, ornamentation, and association pattern) are described for the first time in species from this genus. The present investigation of leaf and floral micromorphology using light and scanning electron microscopy provides valuable information for the taxonomic differentiation and identification of Disporum species in Korea. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: A detailed micromorphological description of leaf, floral characters (tepal, stigma, style), pollen and orbicule is provided for Korean Disporum species using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and light microscopy (LM). The presence of orbicules and their taxonomic implications in Korean Disporum species are described for the first time. Phylogenetically informative pollen and orbicule micromorphological characters are described, improving understanding the systematic relationships of Korean species in the genus Disproum.

Mineral elements analysis using the EDX device and the similarity using the scanning electron microscope for Juncus acutus and Juncus subulatus

Two species of wild of Juncus were studied, the reasons for chosen Juncaceae family are ecologically important. The aim of this study was for formulating the taxonomy of wild species Juncus acutus L. Subsp. acutus and J. subulatus Forsk. In Libya in Jarjar-oma area at Al-Jabal Al-Akhdar. The findings indicated variations in the seed coat the decorative is one of the distinct taxonomic traits, which can be used to distinguish between the species. The periclinal wall was smooth with fine folded, the epidermal cell shape was irregular in seed of J.acutus. While, seed with reticulated, the anticlinal cell wall boundaries, including scars and slightly raised are channelled in seed of J. subulatus. Scanning electron micrographs (SEM) showing the differences between sclerenchyma cells and vascular bundles in the stems and roots between the two species. Vascular bundles in the stem of J.acutus are scattered, the stem is vacuoles. While, vascular bundles are only in subepidemal layer, meristematic stem where cells have no or only small vacuoles in J.subulatus. The rhizodermis root is relatively short, exodermis with 2-3 layers with large cells, the cortical parenchyma was thick in first species. While, the rhizodermis root is long and extensive, exodermiswith 1-3 layers, the cortical parenchyma unthick in a second species. Analysis of the elements content (EDX), in the shoot of each species. Average nitrogen, potassium, magnesium and silicon are higher in J. acutus compared to J.subulatus. Sodium and chlorine content observed significant increased in J.subulatus. The Juncus selected because of their considerable salt-resistant. The EDX technology was used to find the nutritional value of Juncus as a fodder crop.