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Direct observations on generative cells isolated from pollen grains of Haemanthus katherinae baker

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Abstract

Generative cells from mature pollen grains of Haemanthus katherinae Baker (African blood lily) were isolated by means of a simple squash method and observed by differential interference contrast (DIC), fluorescence and polarizing microscopy. The isolated cells appeared structurally similar to those observed in vivo and gave no evidence of a typical cell wall. Their viability was confirmed using the fluorescein diacetate test. The cell shape changed rapidly as the sucrose concentration of the medium was varied. The squash method of isolating generative cells holds promise for the direct and experimental study of these cells, especially in the living state.

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Abbreviations

FDA:

Fluorescein diacetate

PAS:

Periodic-acid-Schiff

DIC:

differential interference contrast

NA:

numerical aperture

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Biological Sciences, Dartmouth College, 03755, Hanover, NH, USA

    C. Zhou, K. Orndorff, R. D. Allen & A. E. DeMaggio

Authors
  1. C. Zhou
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  2. K. Orndorff
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  3. R. D. Allen
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  4. A. E. DeMaggio
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Additional information

Communicated by I.K. Vasil

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Zhou, C., Orndorff, K., Allen, R.D. et al. Direct observations on generative cells isolated from pollen grains of Haemanthus katherinae baker. Plant Cell Reports 5, 306–309 (1986). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00269829

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00269829

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