Embryogenesis was observed through light and transmission electron microscopy to elucidate the role of the cytoskeleton in the cellularization of the coenocytic endosperm in Helianthus annuus. Microtubules were not seen throughout the development of the endosperm despite the fact that nuclear division occurred frequently. The positioning of organelles in the cytoplasm in close proximity to the developing cell plate as well as the crooked appearance of the growing endosperm cell wall suggests that a traditional microtubular system, in which a phragmoplast controls wall formation, is not present in this species. The growth patterns exhibited by endosperm walls, similar to that of tip growing cells, may indicate that actin filaments are controlling the cellularization of the endosperm. To further investigate the role of microtubules in the development of the endosperm of H. annuus, inhibitory studies using 100 µM, 300 µM and 1 mM colchicine were conducted on ovules both in-vivo and in-vitro. Enlarged nuclei, partial collapse of the integumentary tapetum, and loss of organelles were observed in colchicine treated cells which indicates that colchicine affected the development of the endosperm. However, since little difference was seen between the various concentrations of colchicine and the cellularization of the endosperm was still observed in treated cell, this may indicate that either colchicine did not affect the cytoskeleton controlling endosperm development or that it did not successfully penetrate the embryo sacs. The minor effect seen by the application of colchicine may support the idea that actin plays a role in the cellularization of endosperm in H. annuus. / Thesis (Master, Biology) -- Queen's University, 2008-11-03 10:18:50.557
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:LACETR/oai:collectionscanada.gc.ca:OKQ.1974/1580 |
| Date | 10 November 2008 |
| Creators | Craig, ANDREA |
| Contributors | Queen's University (Kingston, Ont.). Theses (Queen's University (Kingston, Ont.)) |
| Source Sets | Library and Archives Canada ETDs Repository / Centre d'archives des thèses électroniques de Bibliothèque et Archives Canada |
| Language | English, English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
| Format | 32062283 bytes, application/pdf |
| Rights | This publication is made available by the authority of the copyright owner solely for the purpose of private study and research and may not be copied or reproduced except as permitted by the copyright laws without written authority from the copyright owner. |
| Relation | Canadian theses |
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