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Changes in Ca~(2+) distribution during germination of Cucumis sativus L. seeds

Wu Huihan, Wang Jianbo, Li Rongqian

Key Laboratory of MOE for Plant Developmental Biology,Wuhan University.Wuhan 430072,Hubei

Abstract

The changes in subcellular localization of Ca~(2+) and the ultrastructure during germination of Cucumis sativus L. (Jinza #2) seeds were studied by cytochemical method and electron microscopy. Electron-dense Ca~(2+) antimonate deposits were mostly localized in cytoplasm, intercellular space and matrix of protein bodies of cotyledon cells of dry seeds. The globoid crystals of protein bodies were also the major Ca~(2+) stores. By contrast, there were few Ca~(2+) deposits in the radicles or the plumules of dry seeds. After 1 d of germination, the Ca~(2+) content in cotyledons decreased slightly, and the Ca~(2+) in globoid crystals was found to be released into the cytoplasm. Meanwhile, large amounts of Ca~(2+) antimonate deposits appeared in the cells of radicles and plumules. However, after 2d of germination, Ca~(2+) antimonate deposits in the cells of radicles and plumules also decreased. The possible role of Ca~(2+) in seed germination was discussed.

Key words: Cucumis sativus L.;Seeds;Germination;Ca~(2+)

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Citing This Article：

Wu Huihan, Wang Jianbo, Li Rongqian. Changes in Ca~(2+) distribution during germination of Cucumis sativus L. seeds. Acta Physiol Sin 2001; 53 (2): (in Chinese with English abstract).