| Abstract Detail
Developmental and Structural Section Oinam, Gunamani S. [1], Yeung, Edward C. [2], Yeung, Stephanie S. [1], Harry, Indra [1], Moloney, Maurice M. [1]. Pollen development in Safflower,Carthamus tinctorius L. Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L., Asteraceae) is grown in semi-arid regions. Overall the pollen biology of this underutilized plant is not well understood. This study provides a detailed description of anther and pollen development in safflower. The anther primordium is composed initially of dense cytoplasmic cells with similar cytological characteristics. Differentiation of pollen mother cells (PMCs) begins even before the complete formation of the anther walls. The enlargement of PMCs with clearly noticeable prophase chromosomes indicates the formation of PMC. The tapetal cells have defined nuclei and are uninucleate at this time. As the PMCs undergo the process of meiosis, the prophase chromosomes are distinct and there is a corresponding decrease in the cytoplasm density of the cells. Nuclear division within the tapetal cells begin at this time without formation of new cell walls. Eventually, a majority of tapetal cells have two nuclei within the cells. Callose begins to appear around each PMC. Meiotic division is of the simultaneous type. Approximately 4.5 days were required to reach this tetrad stage from floral primordia formation. Prior to the first pollen mitosis, the nucleus moves to a peripheral position and a large vacuole occupies the central region of the cytoplasm. The first pollen mitosis results in the formation of a generative cell and a tube cell. There was about 3 days difference between uninucleate and binucleate stage. In a mature pollen grain, the wall has an elaborate exine. The intine material which is PAS (Periodic Acid –Schiff’s reaction) positive is clearly visible in the aperture. The whole duration to reach anthesis stage took about 20 days after floral primordium was completely formed.
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1 - SemBioSys Genetics Inc., 110, 2985-23 Ave., N.E., Calgary, Alberta, T1Y 7L3, Canada
2 - University of Calgary, Department of Biological Sciences, 2500 University Dr. N.W., Calgary, Alberta, T2N 1N4, Canada
Keywords:
none specified
Presentation Type: Poster:Posters for Sections
Session: P
Location: Exhibit Hall (Northeast, Southwest & Southeast)/Hilton
Date: Sunday, July 8th, 2007
Time: 8:00 AM
Number: P48008
Abstract ID:932 |
