In transverse orientation, maize (Zea mays) roots are composed of a central stele that is embedded in multiple layers of cortical parenchyma. The stele functions in the transport of water, nutrients, and photosynthates, while the cortical parenchyma fulfills metabolic functions that are not very well characterized. To better understand the molecular functions of these root tissues, protein- and...

Cortical parenchyma cells penetrated and fed upon by Pratylenchus penetrans for 48 hours contained only cytoplasmic debris. Proximal cells had an increase in tannin deposits, degenerated mitochondria, increased numbers of ribosomes, and no internal membrane structure. Often the endodermis was collapsed and contained massive tannin deposits on the inner cell wall and cell lumen. Similar observat...

The cotton root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita acrita, reproduced on the roots of grain sorghum, causing syncytia in the cortex or stele of lateral roots. Giant cells developed either singly with few nuclei or in groups with many nuclei. Giant cells that developed in groups appeared the same as those which developed singly. The pericycle and endodermis were interrupted at the site of nema...

Salinity is one of the most important agricultural issues causing considerable yield reduction in agricultural crops. The main adverse effects of salinity are due to excess amount of sodium ions that is toxic to plant cells. Most halophytes are equipped with defense mechanisms enabling them to tolerate the salty habitats. Among grass plants, Aeluropus littoralis is a known monocots hal...

A better understanding of the role of the Arabidopsis ZIP family of micronutrient transporters is necessary in order to advance our understanding of plant Zn, Fe, Mn, and Cu homeostasis. In the current study, the 11 Arabidopsis ZIP family members not yet well characterized were first screened for their ability to complement four yeast mutants defective in Zn, Fe, Mn, or Cu uptake. Six of the Ar...

Summtiizary. Primary roots of solution--grown, 5-day-old or 6-day-old seedlings of corn (Zea mays L.) 10 to 14 cm in length were used to study radial salt trtansport. Measurements were made of the volume of root pressure exudation, salt concentration of the exudate, and rate of salt movement into the xylem exudate. The 32p uptake, 09 consumption, and dehydrogenase activity of the root cortex an...

The opium poppy, Papaver somniferum, is one of mankind's oldest medicinal plants. Opium poppy today is the commercial source of the narcotic analgesics morphine and codeine. Along with these two morphinans, opium poppy produces approximately eighty alkaloids belonging to various tetrahydrobenzylisoquinoline-derived classes. It has been known for over a century that morphinan alkaloids accumulat...