Mechanisms involved in rapid swelling of sesame (Sesamus indicum) pollen

Abstract

Mature pollen from dehisced anther of sesame (Sesamus indicum L.) have 12 furrow apertures. Pollen were hydrated with distilled water and it was found that upon hydration pollen swelled in less than a second. Macallum's staining solution revealed that the potassium (K) existed only at the furrow aperture areas of pollen. Energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX) verified staining results of K at the furrow aperture areas of pollen. These results demonstrate that sesame pollen swell instantly upon hydration in water and there could be a relationship between K, located at the furrow aperture area, and rapid swelling of pollen.