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Microtubules and possible microtubule nucleation centers in the cortex of stomatal cells as visualized by high voltage electron microscopy

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Summary

Thick sections of fixed, embedded stomatal cells ofPhleum pratense were examined using high voltage electron microscopy and stereological procedures. The cortex of guard cells and subsidiary cells throughout differentiation contains numerous microtubules adjacent to the plasmalemma. Although microtubules are usually aligned in one net direction, individual microtubules may diverge from this orientation in various ways, producing anastomosing or crossed arrays. Also present in the cortex of both guard and subsidiary cells are collections of membranous elements and amorphous material upon which microtubules seem to focus, terminate or overlap. Such structures may constitute microtubule nucleation centers. The significance of these observations is discussed in terms of the control of microtubule development, wall microfibril deposition and cell morphogenesis.

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Palevitz, B.A. Microtubules and possible microtubule nucleation centers in the cortex of stomatal cells as visualized by high voltage electron microscopy. Protoplasma 107, 115–125 (1981). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01275612

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01275612

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