Orchid protocorm-like bodies are somatic embryos
Yung-I Lee1, Shan-Te Hsu, Edward C Yeung
1Botany Department, National Museum of Natural Science, 404 Taichung, Taiwan, ROC.
American Journal of Botany
|October 19, 2013
Summary
Orchid protocorm-like bodies (PLBs) are confirmed as somatic embryos. Their early development shows similar cell characteristics and wall markers to zygotic embryos, validating their use in research.
Area of Science:
- Plant Science
- Developmental Biology
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Orchid micropropagation relies on protocorm-like bodies (PLBs), which resemble somatic embryos.
- The embryogenic nature of PLBs has been debated, necessitating comparative studies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To ascertain if orchid PLBs are true somatic embryos.
- To compare PLBs with somatic and zygotic embryos regarding surface molecules and response to hydroxyproline-rich glycoprotein (HRGP) inhibitors.
Main Methods:
- Histological and histochemical analyses of embryogenic calluses, zygotic embryos, and protocorms.
- Immunolocalization of JIM11 and JIM20 epitopes.
- Investigation of HRGP inhibitor (3,4-dehydro-l-proline) effects on PLB formation.
Main Results:
- Early-stage PLB cells exhibited vacuolated cytoplasm, transitory starch granules, and protein bodies.
- JIM11 and JIM20 epitopes were localized in PLBs and zygotic embryos, similar to embryogenic cultures.
- Inhibition of HRGP biosynthesis significantly hindered PLB formation.
Conclusions:
- Orchid PLBs display cytological features and cell wall markers akin to zygotic embryos during early development.
- These findings support the classification of PLBs as orchid somatic embryos.
- PLBs can serve as a valuable experimental system for embryological studies.
Keywords:
JIM11JIM20OrchidaceaePhalaenopsishydroxyproline-rich glycoproteinsmeristemoidsprotocorm-like bodiessomatic embryoMore Related Videos
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