Intercellular pectic strands in parenchyma: studies of plant cell walls by scanning electron microscopy.

Abstract

Rows of pectic strands, each 0.3-0.4µm in diameter, are shown to connect palisade mesophyll cells in regular ladder-like configurations ('pectic scala'). These structures are illustrated in some species of eucalypts, but probably occur in other kinds of plants. Less regular wall filaments can be observed in the intercellular spaces between other types of cells. They are particularly numerous in the parenchyma of species of ferns. These filaments and the pectic scala are readily observable by scanning electron microscopy, but can also be seen in conventional preparations for the light microscope. The structure, formation, chemical composition and possible function of these and other kinds of cell wall protuberances, described in the literature, are discussed.