NASA Logo

NTRS

NTRS - NASA Technical Reports Server

Back to Results
Organelle sedimentation in gravitropic roots of Limnobium is restricted to the elongation zoneRoots of the aquatic angiosperm Limnobium spongia (Bosc) Steud. were evaluated by light and electron microscopy to determine the distribution of organelle sedimentation towards gravity. Roots of Limnobium are strongly gravitropic. The rootcap consists of only two layers of cells. Although small amyloplasts are present in the central cap cells, no sedimentation of any organelle, including amyloplasts, was found. In contrast, both amyloplasts and nuclei sediment consistently and completely in cells of the elongation zone. Sedimentation occurs in one cell layer of the cortex just outside the endodermis. Sedimentation of both amyloplasts and nuclei begins in cells that are in their initial stages of elongation and persists at least to the level of the root where root hairs emerge. This is the first modern report of the presence of sedimentation away from, but not in, the rootcap. It shows that sedimentation in the rootcap is not necessary for gravitropic sensing in at least one angiosperm. If amyloplast sedimentation is responsible for gravitropic sensing, then the site of sensing in Limnobium roots is the elongation zone and not the rootcap. These data do not necessarily conflict with the hypothesis that sensing occurs in the cap in other roots, since Limnobium roots are exceptional in rootcap origin and structure, as well as in the distribution of organelle sedimentation. Similarly, if nuclear sedimentation is involved in gravitropic sensing, then nuclear mass would function in addition to, not instead of, that of amyloplasts.
Document ID
20040089458
Acquisition Source
Kennedy Space Center
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
External Source(s)
Authors
Sack, F. D.
(Ohio State University Columbus 43210, United States)
Kim, D.
Stein, B.
Date Acquired
August 21, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1994
Publication Information
Publication: Annals of botany
Volume: 74
ISSN: 0305-7364
Subject Category
Life Sciences (General)
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAGW-3594
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAG10-0085
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other
Keywords
NASA Discipline Plant Biology
Non-NASA Center

Available Downloads

There are no available downloads for this record.
No Preview Available