Summary
Vacuole-like structures were found in the nuclei of root tip cells ofBrassica napus. The cells containing the unusual nuclear inclusions were found to be adjacent to zones of degenerating cells. Such groups of cells occurred irregularly in the meristematic regions of the young root tips. The possibility that they represent changes which have occurred in old seeds is discussed.
The “vacuole-like” structures seen in the cells adjacent to the degenerating zones were bounded by a membranous layer 12 nm thick. This is thicker than most cellular membranes. The “vacuoles” frequently contained inclusions and showed similarities to protein bodies reported elsewhere. The structures are thought to represent rearrangements of cell products which may have accumulated through an imbalance of metabolism in consequence of the imminent cell degeneration.
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Williams, L.M., Jordan, E.G. Nuclear and nucleolar inclusions in root tip ofBrassica napus L.. Protoplasma 113, 189–192 (1982). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01280906
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01280906