Journal of Cell Science, Vol 38, Issue 1 11-22, Copyright © 1979 by Company of Biologists

JOURNAL ARTICLES

A crystalline inclusion in sieve element nuclei of Amsinckia. II. The inclusion in maturing cells

K Esau and AC Magyarosy

The compounds crystalloids formed in sieve element nuclei of Amsinckia douglasiana A. DC. (Boraginaceae) during differentiation of the cell become disaggregated during the nuclear breakdown characteristic of a maturing sieve element. The phenomenon occurs in both healthy and virus-infected plants. The crystalloid component termed cy, which is loosely aggregated, separates from the densely aggregated component termed cx and disperses. The cx component may become fragmented, or broken into large pieces, or remain intact after the cell matures. After their release from the nucleus both crystalloid components become spatially associated with the dispersed P-protein originating in the cytoplasm, but remain distinguishable from it. The component tubules of P-protein are hexagonal in transections and are somewhat wider than the 6-sided cy tubules. The cx tubules are much narrower than the P-protein or the cy tubules and have square transections. Both the P-protein and the products of disintegrated crystalloids accumulate at sieve plates in sieve elements subjected to sudden release of hydrostatic pressure by cutting the phloem. The question of categorizing the tubular components of the nuclear crystalloid of a sieve element with reference to the concept of P-protein is discussed.