Endodermis-like sheaths in the submerged freshwater macrophyte Ranunculus trichophyllus Chaix

Light fluorescence and electron microscopical analysis of the rooted freshwater plant Ranunculus trichophyllus revealed a peculiar anatomical feature. In addition to the true endodermis encircling the root stele, endodermis-like sheaths occurred around each vascular bundle of the leaf segments and o...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:Annals of botany 1999, Vol.83 (1), p.93-97
Main Authors: Dalla Vecchia, F, Cuccato, F, La Rocca, N, Larcher, W, Rascio, N
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
air
aquatic plants
Cell walls
Endodermis
Epidermal cells
flooding
Fluorescence
Fresh water
leakage
leaves
Macrophytes
nutrient content
permeability
plant anatomy
Plants
Ranunculus trichophyllus
roots
sap
Sediments
SHORT COMMUNICATION
stems
ultrastructure
Vascular bundles
xylem
Xylem vessels
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:Light fluorescence and electron microscopical analysis of the rooted freshwater plant Ranunculus trichophyllus revealed a peculiar anatomical feature. In addition to the true endodermis encircling the root stele, endodermis-like sheaths occurred around each vascular bundle of the leaf segments and of the eustelic stem with its large central cavity, which assumed an anatomical feature resembling that of some pteridophyte stems. These impermeable sheaths, whose cells differentiate suberized walls, can play a major role in hampering the apoplastic leakage of the pressurized water solution which flows throughout the plant in xylem vessels and contains the mineral nutrients taken up by the roots from the sediment. Moreover, these sheaths can function in preventing flooding of the aerenchymatic cavities of the submerged organs. In this way the endodermis-like sheaths preserve the correct circulation of gas and nutrient solution through t e entire organism and assume great significance as a structural mechanism evolved by this species to survive and grow underwater.
ISSN:0305-7364
1095-8290
DOI:10.1006/anbo.1998.0787