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Asymmetric cell division and differentiation; fern spore germination as a model. II. Ultrastructural studies

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  05 December 2011

Alix R. Bassel
Alix R. Bassel
Affiliation:
Department of Microbiology, S.U.N.Y., Upstate Medical Center, Syracuse, New York 13210, U.S.A.
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Synopsis

The germination of Onoclea spores is a model system with many advantages for the study of asymmetric cell division and cellular differentiation. Our results suggest that both microtubules and a lipophilic site are important in the nuclear migration to one end of the spore prior to asymmetric cell division. A metalbinding region containing pore-like structures in the proximal face of the spore coat may be a source of the inherent polarity of the spore. The pattern of endogenous metal binding during germination has been characterised using a sulphide-silver stain. Metal-binding sites are described in a differentiating system in which polarity is imposed externally using polarised red light. The possibility of a role of ion gradients in determining the direction of nuclear migration is discussed.

Type
Research Article
Information
Proceedings of the Royal Society of Edinburgh, Section B: Biological Sciences , Volume 86: The Biology of Pteridophytes , 1985 , pp. 227 - 230
Copyright
Copyright © Royal Society of Edinburgh 1985

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References

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