PJB-2017-626
Morphology and structure of starch granules in purple sweet potato
Hongmei Zhu
Abstract
In this study, we examined the microstructure and formation process of starch granule in purple sweet potato tube by light microscopy (LM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Proliferation of division activities of amyloplasts was followed by massive accumulation of amyloplasts in cells. Thereafter, amyloplasts produced several eccentric starch granules, and the structure of binary and tetrad starch granules was evident upon imaging by LM, TEM, and SEM. Some blocklet crystals appeared in the starch granules as numerous ‘microgranules’ were tightly connected into chain, containing the double helix of amylopectin. In addition, most ‘microgranules’ were observed on the exterior surface of the starch granule, constructing starch granules that formed multiple concentric shells, increasing the diameter extending from the hilum towards the surface of the granules. A hole was observed in the centre of the starch granule.
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