Skip to main content
Log in

A cytoskeletal basis for wood formation in angiosperm trees: the involvement of microfilaments

  • Published:
Planta Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract.

The cortical microfilament (MF) component of the cytoskeleton within axial elements of the secondary vascular system of the angiosperm tree, Aesculus hippocastanum L. (horse-chestnut) was studied using transmission electron microscopy of ultrathin sections and indirect immunofluorescence microscopy of actin in thick sections. As seen by electron microscopy, MF bundles have a net axial orientation within fusiform cambial cells and their secondary vascular derivatives (i.e. in the axial xylem and phloem parenchyma, xylem fibres, vessel and sieve elements, and companion cells). Immunofluorescence studies, however, reveal that this axial orientation can be more accurately described as a helix of extremely high pitch; it is a persistent feature of all axial secondary vascular elements during their development. Helical MF arrays are the only arrangement seen in secondary phloem cells. However, in addition to helices, other MF arrays are seen in secondary xylem cells. For example, fibres possess ellipses of MFs associated with simple-pit formation, and vessel elements possess circular arrays of MFs that associate with the developing inter-vessel bordered pits, ray–vessel contact pits, and with the perforation plate. Linear MF arrays are seen co-oriented with the developing tertiary wall-thickenings in vessel elements. The possible roles of MFs during the cytodifferentiation of secondary vascular cells is discussed, and compared with that of microtubules.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Additional information

Received: 7 June 1999 / Accepted: 23 December 1999

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Chaffey, N., Barlow, P. & Barnett, J. A cytoskeletal basis for wood formation in angiosperm trees: the involvement of microfilaments. Planta 210, 890–896 (2000). https://doi.org/10.1007/s004250050694

Download citation

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s004250050694

Navigation