Early embryogenesis in Tropaeolum majus L.: Diversification of plastids

Embryogeny in the nasturtium is characterized by the development of a large, tripartite suspensor and storing cotyledons. A light and electron microscopic study revealed an early diversification of the plastids in the various regions of the suspensor and the embryo proper. Amyloplasts are found in the developing cotyledons of the heart-like embryo, while chloroplasts occur within the meristematic part of the embryo and the adjacent portion of the suspensor. The cells between the meristem and the storing cotyledons display undifferentiated leukoplasts, whereas leukoplasts with an electron-dense matrix occur in the basal cell mass of the embryo-suspensor. Etioplasts develop in several cells of the placental haustorium of the suspensor. The carpel haustorium shows rather undifferentiated leukoplasts, which are transformed into electron-dense plastids during autolysis of the suspensor. This early plastidal differentiation in discussed with respect to its control and functional significance.