Studies on Intercellular Pectic Strands of Leaf Palisade Parenchyma

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Abstract
Regular rows (‘scala’) of pectic strands of uniform thickness interconnect palisade cells of leaves of a wide range of plant species, the leaf lamina of which possesses a regular palisade layer. As the strands can be viewed by scanning electron microscopy of fractured, uncoated, fresh frozen leaves, they are not artefacts. The techniques of electron probe analysis have been used to examine fresh frozen leaves of holly in which there are regular pectic scala. Evidence is presented to support the view already put forward, to explain the origin of the strands, that they are deficient in calcium. The strands are shown to be rich in potassium which, like the potassium in leaf cells, can be readily leached with water. The advantages of fresh frozen plant material for elemental electron probe analyses as well as problems arising from surface irregularities and surface charging, are discussed.

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