Ultrastructure of Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal Pollen Grains PDF

Keywords

Pollen grains, ultrastructure, Withania Somnifera

Abstract

Light, scanning and transmission electron microscopy were used to study the morphology and ultrastructure of Withania somnifera (L.) DunaJ pollen grains. Light microscopic examination revealed that the pollen grains are tri- or tetrazona colpate grains, approximately as long as broad, measuring 29 micro m. Scanning electron microscopic observation showed that surface sculpturing of the pollen is scarbate-granulate. Ultra thin sections as examined by transmission electron microscope showed that the pollen contained numerous starch grains, lipid droplets, endoplasmic reticulum and vesicles of dictyosomes. Two layers of the pollen wall were also distinguished, the outer wall (exine) divided into ektexine and endexine as well as the inner layer (intine). The nutritive values of Withania pollen are discussed. The importance of studying the ultrastructure of pollen grains as a new tool in palynology is also discussed.