Changes in Fine Structure of Root Cells from Maize Seedlings Exposed to Water Stress

Abstract

As previously reported (Nir et al. 1969) changes in the ultrastructure of meristematic cells were induced by exposure of detached maize root tips to water stress. The question remained whether similar fine structure changes would be induced if instead of isolated root tips, the whole seedlings were exposed to water stress. Since knowledge of the behaviour of intact seedlings is important for the understanding of drought physiology, we investigated the changes which occur in the fine structure of root cells when whole seedlings are exposed to drought.