title: Development of flange and reticulate wall ingrowths in maize (Zea mays L.) endosperm transfer cells.
abstract: Maize (Zea mays L.) endosperm transfer cells are essential for kernel growth and development so they have a significant impact on grain yield. Although structural and ultrastructural studies have been published, little is known about the development of these cells, and prior to this study, there was a general consensus that they contain only flange ingrowths. We characterized the development of maize endosperm transfer cells by bright field microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and confocal laser scanning microscopy. The most basal endosperm transfer cells (MBETC) have flange and reticulate ingrowths, whereas inner transfer cells only have flange ingrowths. Reticulate and flange ingrowths are mostly formed in different locations of the MBETC as early as 5 days after pollination, and they are distinguishable from each other at all stages of development. Ingrowth structure and ultrastructure and cellulose microfibril compaction and orientation patterns are discussed during transfer cell development. This study provides important insights into how both types of ingrowths are formed in maize endosperm transfer cells.
authors: Instituto de Biotecnologia e Bioengenharia-Centro de Biotecnologia dos Açores, Universidade dos Açores, 9701-851, Angra do Heroísmo, Portugal. paulo@uac.pt
authors: Paulo
authors: P
authors: Monjardino
authors: Sara
authors: S
authors: Rocha
authors: Ana C
authors: AC
authors: Tavares
authors: Rui
authors: R
authors: Fernandes
authors: Paula
authors: P
authors: Sampaio
authors: Roberto
authors: R
authors: Salema
authors: Artur
authors: A
authors: da Câmara Machado
mesh_terms: D056625:Endosperm / Q000166:cytology* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D046529:Microscopy, Electron, Transmission; D003313:Zea mays / Q000166:cytology* / Q000648:ultrastructure