Development of fern sporangia: a fluorescence microscopy study

The utility of fluorescence microscopy for studying development of fern spores is investigated. Changes in the fluorescence characteristics during the developmental stages of fern sporangia can be attributed to the changes in the chemical composition of the cell wall. Bright blue autofluorescence of the spores indicated the presence of sporopollenin. The sporangial walls and the spores autofluoresced yellow under blue light excitation. Fluorescence microscopy is a useful addition to light, scanning, and transmission electron microscopy because living specimens can be studied owing to their fluorescence properties.