Freeze-fracture observations on membranes of dry and hydrated pollen fromCollomia, PhoenixandZea

摘要

Pollen fromCollomia grandifloraDougl. ex Lindl.,Phoenix dactyliferaL. andZea maysL. was examined by freeze-fracture electron microscopy. Particular attention was paid to the organization of the cell membranes in the naturally dehydrated, as compared to the fully hydrated, state. All membranes examined had a normal bilayer organization similar to that seen in the hydrated cells of these and other plants. This organization of dry pollen membranes is discussed as it relates to physiological studies (e.g., leakage of ions during hydration), and to biophysical properties of biological and model membranes under various conditions of hydration and dehydration.