Secretion-6

Lecture Directory	Prior Page	Home Page	Next Page
Secretion-6
Multicellular Laticifers Note the presence of endwalls in the long unstained cells which have diffuse dense contents. The density is due to the presence of latex. Note the similarity in size to adjacent Parenchyma cells. The dark bundles are Raphides.		The structures responsible for latex production are called Laticifers. These are highly elongated tubes which are one cell wide. There are two basic types. Unicellular laticifers (Non-articulated) are comprised of single cells which grow in unison with the plant. They have intrusive growth and essentially squeeze their way through intercellular spaces. The second kind of laticifer is multicellular (Articulated). These cause adjacent parenchyma cells to become part of the sinister laticirfer collective. In some cases, their endwalls may dissolve and they appear to be unicellular.
Unicellular Laticifers stained with Sudan		Latex may contain lipids and oils which will stain positively with Sudan Red. The Indian Rubber Tree is a classical example of a latex producing plant which has practical applications. The Brazilian Rubber Tree is another example.
		Cross-section of a Laticifer stained with Sudan IV. Note that the Laticifer is only one cell wide, and it is smaller in diameter than the surrounding Parenchyma. Some Sudan IV positive latex (red material) is visible within the Laticifer.
		IKI will also stain some Laticifers. However, the staining reaction is nonspecific. Note the dark staining reaction of the Amyloplasts to the left of the Laticifer in this image.
		High magnification view of a Laticifer stained with IKI. Note the distinct vesicles. In some plants "rubber particles" like these are present. Particulate bodies like these can be observed in laticifers which produce a wide array of secretory products.