Biochemical and ultrastructural changes in pollen of Zea mays L. grown under enhanced UV-B radiation

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 1998

Authors

Santos, A (Author) FCUP; Almeida, JM (Author) Other; Santos, I (Author) Other; Salema, R (Author) FCUP

Journal

Title: Annals of Botany

Vol. 82

Pages: 641-645

ISSN: 0305-7364

Publisher: Oxford University Press

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 18 Citations

Scopus - 23 Citations

Scientific classification

FOS: Natural sciences > Biological sciences

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-001-6SM

DOI: 10.1006/anbo.1998.0724

Abstract (EN): The influence of ultraviolet-B (UV-B) radiation on the development of the male gametophyte was studied in Zea mays L. cv. LG12 grown in a growth chamber under PAR light supplemented with UV-B radiation and compared with a second set of plants grown under PAR light. Pollen samples collected from both groups of plants were cultured on germination medium and it was found that W-B had no effect on pollen germination. Total pollen protein content was not affected but W-B absorbing pigments increased. Some ultrastructural alterations were observed in pollen and pollen tubes, in particular large amounts of electron dense deposits were seen throughout the cytoplasm and in association with the pollen wall. In mature spikes of UV-B treated plants, anthers retained numerous pollen grains in their loculi while anthers of control plants were almost empty. UV-B treatment delayed flowering by 2-3 d. These results show that UV-B treatment of maize plants interferes with flowering, pollen ultrastructure and anther maturation even though pollen germination is unaffected. The significant increase of UV-B absorbing pigments in pollen grains could represent a defence mechanism that enables plants to complete their reproductive cycle. (C) 1998 Annals of Botany Company.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 5