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DEVELOPMENTAL ANATOMY OF SECRETORY CAVITIES IN THE MICROSPOROPHYLLS OF GINKGO BILOBA L.
Author(s) -
Ameele Randall J.
Publication year - 1980
Publication title -
american journal of botany
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.218
H-Index - 151
eISSN - 1537-2197
pISSN - 0002-9122
DOI - 10.1002/j.1537-2197.1980.tb07721.x
Subject(s) - biology , ginkgo biloba , primordium , cytoplasm , epidermis (zoology) , anatomy , parenchyma , microbiology and biotechnology , botany , biochemistry , gene
Two to five secretory cavities develop in the hump region of the microsporophylls of Ginkgo biloba . A developing cavity is first recognized as a spherical pocket of large, densely cytoplasmic cells (central secretory cells) in the median portion of a microsporophyll primordium. These cells degenerate and a small cavity is formed which is filled with the contents of the degenerating cells. Flattened incurved cells (parietal secretory cells) develop around the disintegrating central secretory cells and slough off into the enlarging cavity. Thus, the cavities develop by lysigeny. A mature cavity is surrounded by senescent parietal secretory cells, scanty parenchyma, and a loosely fitting epidermis. Histochemical tests indicate the presence of lipid and pectic substances in the cavities. Previous reports on the morphological interpretation and possible function role of the cavities are discussed in the light of the present investigation.