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Observation of unique structures between the endosperm and embryo in seeds of Glycine max

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  19 September 2008

R. W. Yaklich ,
W. P. Wergin  and
E. F. Erbe
R. W. Yaklich*
Affiliation:
Soybean and Alfalfa Research Laboratory, USDA, ARS, Bldg. 008, BARC-West, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA
W. P. Wergin
Affiliation:
Electron Microscopy Laboratory, USDA, ARS, Bldg. 177B, BARC-East, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA
E. F. Erbe
Affiliation:
Electron Microscopy Laboratory, USDA, ARS, Bldg. 177B, BARC-East, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA
*
*Correspondence
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Abstract

Openings are present on the inside surface of the endosperm cell wall adjacent to the developing cotyledon. The objective of this study was to determine if the openings were present during seed growth, maturation and imbibition by observing the inside surface of the endosperm with low temperature scanning electron microscopy. The openings were found to be present throughout seed development, maturation and imbibition. The openings were not formed by attachment to the cotyledon surface. However, the inner surface of the endosperm was occasionally attached to the surface of the embryo. At seed maturity, outgrowths on the cotyledon cell wall surface were embedded in the cell wall of the inside surface of the endosperm. These structures were also observed in the imbibing seed. These points of contact between the endosperm and embryo of soybean seeds may align the embryo, endosperm and seed coat during growth, desiccation and imbibition.

Keywords

Glycine max (L.) Merr.soybeanseed coatcotyledonmicroscopy
Type
Development
Information
Seed Science Research , Volume 6 , Issue 4 , December 1996 , pp. 183 - 190
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1996

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