Developmental studies on stomata of Polypodium vulgare (Ferns)

 

Structural and functional aspects of stomata – I. Developmental studies on Polypodium vulgare

by Stevens R. A., Martin E. S. (1978)

in Planta – January 1978, Volume 142, Issue 3, pp 307-316 – DOI: 10.1007/BF00385082

http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2FBF00385082

Abstract

Differential cell wall thickening in developing guard cells of Polypodium vulgare L. has been studied with particular reference to guard cell protoplast deformation and the eventual formation of the stomatal pore.

Concomitant studies on the development of guard cell chloroplasts and their starch inclusions during ontogeny of the stomatal complex have provided data which have been incorporated into a model to account for the formation of the pore.

Guard cell starch inclusions reach a maximum density per unit volume at the same time as the guard cell walls achieve maximum differential thickening. These events coincide with the development of the pore. It is suggested that, whilst pore formation is initiated enzymatically, the mechanical forces required to bring about the separation of the two guard cells are of an osmotic nature derived from starch hydrolysis.

The development of the mesophyll in relation to the epidermis is examined in respect of the formation of substomatal chambers.

Published by

Willem Van Cotthem

Honorary Professor of Botany, University of Ghent (Belgium). Scientific Consultant for Desertification and Sustainable Development.

Leave a comment