Isolation and Ultrastructure of Aleurone Cell Walls From Wheat and Barley

Abstract

Aleurone layers and cell walls from both wheat (Triticum aestivum L. cv. Insignia) and barley (Hordeum vulgare L. cv. Clipper) have been isoIated by differential centrifugation in benzene-carbon tetrachloride mixtures and by air classification. The isolated walls were obtained in sufficient quantities and purity for comprehensive chemical analysis. Morphological characteristics of the isolated aleurone layers and walls were examined by bright field, fluorescence and scanning electron microscopy and compared with their appearance in whole grains. Transmission electron microscopy of wall sections clearly showed their characteristic bilayered structure. Aniline blue-positive deposits were observed at the aleurone-starchy endosperm interfaces of both wheat and barley.