Document Type

Research

Abstract

The epidermis of several strains of cultivated sorghums were examined microscopically by means of epidermal casts and macerated leaf samples. One variety was examined at several stations in the sheath, blade joint and blade. An account of cell types, their sizes, and their distribution is given for both sheath and blade, and are compared with those of the blade joint. The long-cells of the outer surface of the blade joint are shorter than in other parts of the leaf, silica-bodies are exclusively cross-shaped, and stomata are few in number. An unspecialized area of epidermal cells is located at the very base of the blade in the blade joint region on the upper epidermis. These are transformed meristematic cells. Specialization of cells proceeds from the tip of the leaf and ends in the upper region of the blade joint. The lowest cell specialization may be seen above major vascular bundles. The epidermis of the ligule is similar in general aspect to that of the inner leaf sheath, but no stomata are present. Macro-hairs are present at the base of the abaxial surface of the ligule, but are absent on the adaxial surface.

Publication Date

1968

Journal Title

Proceedings of the Iowa Academy of Science

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Issue

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application/pdf

Recommended Citation

Lee, Kit-Wah and Lommasson, Robert C. (1968) "The Epidermis of the Blade Joint of Sorghum Bicolor (L.) Moench," Proceedings of the Iowa Academy of Science, 75(1), 55-64.
Available at: https://scholarworks.uni.edu/pias/vol75/iss1/12

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The Epidermis of the Blade Joint of Sorghum Bicolor (L.) Moench

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