β-1,3-Glucans may be associated with cell plate formation during cytokinesis

Abstract

Sections of young lateral-root meristems of corn [Zea mays] seedlings and Jerusalem artichoke [Helianthus tuberosus] tuber slices treated to induce cell divisions were stained with aniline blue and examined by fluorescence microscopy. In both tissues intense yellow fluorescence, similar to that given by callose in sieve plates, was observed in cell plates of cells undergoing cytokinesis and in recently formed transverse cell walls of newly divided cells. Staining was found after both chemical fixation and rapid freezing and was removed by prior .beta.-1,3-glucanase treatment. The staining was not present in older walls. The results suggest that a unique polysaccharide, probably a .beta.-1,3-glucan, is associated with the early stages of cell wall formation in cytokinesis. The role and fate of the polysaccharide are unknown.