PJB-2008-56
GENERAL MORPHOLOGY AND RELATION BETWEEN POTASSIUM AND POLLEN IN JAPANESE ANGELICA (ARALIA ELATA L.)
MUHAMMAD JAMIL1†, JONG GYUN KANG2, AND EUI SHIK RHA3†
Abstract
Japanese angelica (Aralia elata L.) pollens were collected from the mature central open spikelet having visible anthers and were used for morphological observation. Scanning electron microscope revealed two distinctive types of pollen. One was comparatively larger in size and regular in shape (fertile) while the other was smaller and irregular in shape (sterile). Scanning electron microscope showed that pollen has clearly visible four apertures. It was hypothesized that potassium (K) may be involved in pollen swelling and the mechanisms underlying the rapid imbibition of water. Scanning electron microscopy with EDX (Energy dispersive X-ray) attachment was used to observe K at aperture area of pollen. It was found the K intensity were higher when the beam was passed through the aperture whereas intensity of K peaks reduced when the beam passed through the area that is between apertures. These results support our hypothesis that if K drives rapid imbibition of water then it should be located in the aperture area of pollen. These results demonstrate that a likely relationship exists between K located at the aperture and the swelling of pollen.
To Cite this article:
Download
