Sporoderm ultrastructure in Anthoceros agrestis Paton

Abstract

The sporoderm ultrastructure in Anthoceros agrestis Paton is unique. The wall of mature spores consists of granules varying in size and shape, and does not have any homogenеous or lamellar layers. The electron-lucent sporopollenin, which forms granules of the exosporium, is comparable to that in other spore-bearing plants (mosses, liverworts and Pteridophyta) in its electron density, while it is different in structure. Electron-dense substances in the gaps between the exosporium granules are resistant to acetolysis and are probably sporopolleninous.