Cytochemical Localization of Phenolic Compounds in Columella Cells of the Root Cap during Maturation of Seeds of Brassica napus L.

Abstract

Ultrastructural localization of phenolic compounds in the columella of the root cap of a canola embryo in Brassica napus L. during subsequent seed maturation stages was investigated. In bright green seeds the first signs of maturation and appearance of the first phenolic structures in the cell nuclei and cytoplasm in the area of the initial centre were found. Phenolics spread acropetally, gradually covering the whole columella in the dark green seeds. An increase in the number of phenolics occurred, together with an increase in the number of endoplasmic reticulum structures and in storage materials. In brown seeds, together with ultrastructural degradation and the end of production of storage substances, the number of phenolic deposits in the nucleus and cytoplasm decreases until their disappearance in black dormant seeds. Simultaneously, numerous phenolic deposits appear between the plasmalemma and the cell walls in the outer layer of the cap columella.

Key words

Brassica napus var. oleifera - root columella - embryo maturation - phenolic compounds - ultrastructure.

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Section Editor: G. Thiel