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Development, Structure, and Function of Torus–Margo Pits in Conifers, Ginkgo and Dicots

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Functional and Ecological Xylem Anatomy

Abstract

Tracheary elements, the water-conducting cells of the xylem, are connected by bordered pit pairs containing pit membranes. The function of the latter is to allow passage of water but not air embolisms. One type of pit membrane form that has evolved repeatedly consists of a central, impermeable torus surrounded by a permeable margo. This membrane structure is common in gymnosperms, but less so in angiosperms. In this chapter, various ontogenetic sequences for the formation of torus/margo pit membranes are explored. Also, the presence and function of such pit membranes under xeric conditions are discussed.

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Notes

  1. 1.

    Recently retransferred to Cartrema by Nesom (2012). This species has been retained within Osmanthus in this chapter.

  2. 2.

    Ephedra, a xeromorphic Gnetalean gymnosperm also has well-developed tori. Pit membrane structure in this genus is dealt with in a recent publication (Dute et al. 2014).

Abbreviations

A:

Pit aperture

B:

Pit border

C:

Pit cavity

CO:

Corona of torus

CM:

Cell membrane

D:

Desmotubule

DI:

Dictyosome

ER:

Endoplasmic reticulum

L:

Cell lumen

M:

Margo

MC:

Median cavity

MT:

Microtubule

P:

Pustular region of torus

PA:

Parenchyma cell

PD:

Plasmodesma

PL:

Protective layer of parenchyma cell wall

PS:

Plastid

R:

Ring of parallel microfibrils in torus

T:

Torus

TP:

Torus pad

V:

Vesicle

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Biological Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA

    Roland R. Dute B.S., M.S., Ph.D.

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  1. Roland R. Dute B.S., M.S., Ph.D.
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Correspondence to Roland R. Dute B.S., M.S., Ph.D. .

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  1. Department of Renewable Resources, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

    Uwe Hacke

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Dute, R.R. (2015). Development, Structure, and Function of Torus–Margo Pits in Conifers, Ginkgo and Dicots. In: Hacke, U. (eds) Functional and Ecological Xylem Anatomy. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-15783-2_3

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