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The localization of nonspecific esterase and cholinesterase activity in germinating pollen and in pollen tube ofVicia faba L. The effect of actinomycin D and cycloheximide

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Biologia Plantarum

Abstract

Two types of esterases, nonspecific esterase and cholin esterase have been distinguished in germinating pollen grains and in pollen tubes ofVicia faba using cytochemical methods. The localization of each of them was different. In the hydrated non-germinating pollen grain the nonspecific esterase was present in the cytoplasm and in the intine. The cholinesterase was localized mainly in the sexine and on the outside of the plasma membrane. A particularly large agglomeration of this enzyme was found in the aperture. During germination both types of extracellular esterases were released into the medium. In the pollen tube the activity of the enzymes studied was connected with the wall of its tip. The localization of both types of esterases in the germinating pollen grain and the growing tube were independent of actinomycin D. Cycloheximid prevented the cholinesterase localization at the pollen tube tip.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Plant Cytology and Embryology, Institute of Biology, Copernicus University, 87-100 Toruń, Gagarina 9, Poland

    E. Bednarska

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  1. E. Bednarska
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Acknowledgement: This study was conducted under the programm J.P.B.R 10.3 coordinated by the Agricultural University in Olsztyn, Poland.

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Bednarska, E. The localization of nonspecific esterase and cholinesterase activity in germinating pollen and in pollen tube ofVicia faba L. The effect of actinomycin D and cycloheximide. Biol Plant 34, 229–240 (1992). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02925875

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02925875

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