Abstract
Spermidine applied for 18 h to intact maize seedlings through their roots reduces root growth 70%, and the effect is reversible. Histological observations of longitudinal sections of 0.4-cm root apical segments from 2-day-old maize seedlings grown for 18 h in 0.5 m CaSO4 solution with or without 1 mm spermidine contribute to the explanation of spermidine-dependent slow root growth. In the meristematic zone a strong reduction of the mitotic index and in the elongation zone an inhibition of cell elongation occur simultaneously. Cell shape analysis along the growth axis of the maize root apex expressed in terms of form factor (FCircle) values substantiates the dual effect of spermidine on mitotic activity and cell elongation.
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Abbreviations
- PA:
-
polyamine(s)
- Spm:
-
spermine
- Spd:
-
spermidine
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de Agazio, M., Grego, S., Ciofi-Luzzatto, A. et al. Inhibition of maize primary root elongation by spermidine: Effect on cell shape and mitotic index. J Plant Growth Regul 14, 85–89 (1995). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00203118
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00203118