Summary
Vacuole-like structures were found in the nuclei of root tip cells ofBrassica napus. The cells containing the unusual nuclear inclusions were found to be adjacent to zones of degenerating cells. Such groups of cells occurred irregularly in the meristematic regions of the young root tips. The possibility that they represent changes which have occurred in old seeds is discussed.
The “vacuole-like” structures seen in the cells adjacent to the degenerating zones were bounded by a membranous layer 12 nm thick. This is thicker than most cellular membranes. The “vacuoles” frequently contained inclusions and showed similarities to protein bodies reported elsewhere. The structures are thought to represent rearrangements of cell products which may have accumulated through an imbalance of metabolism in consequence of the imminent cell degeneration.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Danilova, L. V., 1973 a: Electron microscopic study of meiosis in diploid male silkworms. Ontogenez.4, 4–40.
—, 1973 b: An electron microscope study of meiosis in oligopyrene spermatocytes of the silkworm. Ontogenez.4, 281–287.
Danilova, L. V., Vereiskaya, V. N., 1970: Lamellar bodies in spermatogenesis in the silkwormBombyx mori. Ontogenez.1, 360–367.
Dickinson, H. G., Heslop-Harrison, J., 1977: Ribosomes, membranes and organelles during meiosis in angiosperms. Philos. Trans. R. Soc. London Ser. B.227, 327–342.
Jordan, E. G., Luck, B. T., 1980: Interrelationship of mitochondria with cytoplasmic 10 nm filaments in tapetal cells ofHyacinthoides non-scripta (L.) Chouard. European J. Cell Biol.22, 766–771.
Kessel, R. G., Beams, K. W., 1968: Intranuclear membranes and nuclear-cytoplasmic exchange in young crayfish oocytes. J. Cell Biol.39, 735–741.
Lane, B. E., Carlile, M. J., 1970: Post-fusion somatic incompatibility in plasmodia ofPhysarum polycephalum. J. Cell Sci.35, 339–354.
Meek, G. A., Moses, M. J., 1961: Microtubulation of the inner membrane of the nuclear envelope. J. biophys. biochem. Cytol.10, 121–131.
Rasmussen, S. W., 1976: The meiotic prophase inBombyx mori females analysed by three-dimensional reconstructions of synaptonemal complexes. Chromosoma54, 245–293.
Sheffield, E., Cawood, A. H., Bell, P. R., Dickinson, H. G., 1979: The development of nuclear vacuoles during meiosis in plants. Planta146, 597–601.
Srivastava, L. M., Paulson, R. E., 1968: The fine structure of the embryo ofLactuca Sativa II. Changes during germination. Can. J. Bot.46, 1447–1454.
Terzakis, J. A., 1965: The nucleolar channel system of human endometrium. J. Cell Biol.27, 293–304.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Williams, L.M., Jordan, E.G. Nuclear and nucleolar inclusions in root tip ofBrassica napus L.. Protoplasma 113, 189–192 (1982). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01280906
Received:
Accepted:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01280906