Ultrastructure, development and cytochemistry of storage cells in the‘tubers’of Phaeoceros laevis Prosk. (Anthocerotophyta)

Abstract

The gametophyte of Phaeoceros laevis Prosk. forms small parenchymatous tubers as perennating organs. The development of tuber cells is characterized by marked cytoplasmic proliferation. The chloroplasts are packed with starch and abundant lipid bodies (spherosomes) are produced in the cytoplasm in association with rough endoplasmic reticulum. The vacuoles become pleomorphic and accumulate electron‐dense deposits. These were negative to PATAg staining for carbohydrates and were digested by pronase; therefore they are assumed to be protein. No ultrastructural evidence was found for the participation of either ER or dictyosomes in the biogenesis of the protein‐storing vacuoles. The mature tubers have a distinct layer of epidermal cells with thick external walls, and frequently harbor intercellular cyanobacteria. Copyright © 1989, Wiley Blackwell. All rights reserved