Distribution of Carbon 14 in Ovules of Zephyranthes drummondii

Abstract

The pattern of distr. of C14 in the ovary and ovules indicates that relatively soluble C14 containing compounds are transported to the ovules by the vascular system. The hypostase is a block precluding the direct transport of these materials to the embryo sac. The actively growing nucellus converts these soluble compounds into relatively insoluble substances which accumulate in the cells of the nucellus. Subsequent degradation of these cells next to the embryo sac allows the transfer of these insoluble substances to the embryo sac. Relatively insoluble substances are metabolized and accumulated in the antipodal cells and synergids. The postulated functions of the antipodals and synergids are discussed with reference to the C14 distr. pattern.