Summary
The xylem conducting cells that form the vascular core in the root haustorium ofAtkinsonia ligustrina are shown to be graniferous tracheary elements. Their luminal contents occur in the form of granules, amorphous bodies or finely dispersed material derived from the granules. Cells of this type are known for theSantalaceae, but have not previously been reported unequivocally in theLoranthaceae. The matrix of the granules consists of compacted fibrillar material often with the central region of the granule showing a crystalline substructure. The granules stain positively for protein. In some instances the matrix may become secondarily impregnated with phenolic compounds. The granules arise during differentiation of the tracheary element and develop as accumulations of matrix within dilated cisternae of endoplasmic reticulum. The function of graniferous tracheary elements inAtkinsonia may be to help regulate the flow of xylem sap from host to parasite, as has been suggested for theSantalaceae.
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Fineran, B.A., Ingerfeld, M. Graniferous tracheary elements in the haustorium ofAtkinsonia ligustrina, a root hemi-parasite of theLoranthaceae . Protoplasma 113, 150–160 (1982). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01282005
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01282005