Occurrence and Histochemistry of the Anther Tapetal Membrane

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Abstract
Several angiosperm and one gymnosperm taxa were investigated. The development and localization of the membrane was studied and differences were found between genera with an amoeboid or with a secretory tapetum. Several histochemical tests and fluorescence microscopy were used to investigate the chemical composition of the membrane. These studies indicate that the membrane consists of (a) insoluble polysaccharides, mainly callose, pectin and a cellulose-like substance, in addition to (b) an acetolysis-resistant cemponent (probably sporopollenin).