TITLE:
Characteristics of Root Caps in Four Root Types of Avicennia marina (Forsk.) Vierh.
AUTHORS:
Hery Purnobasuki
KEYWORDS:
A. marina; Columella; Root Caps; Statocyte
JOURNAL NAME:
American Journal of Plant Sciences,
Vol.4 No.4,
April
22,
2013
ABSTRACT: The anatomy of the root
caps in four root types of Avicennia marina were studied using
conventional histological techniques by Ligth Microscopy (LM) in order to
relate their development and structure of their function as environmental
adaptation in mangrove’s root and to identify cellular polarities with respect
to gravity. In columella cells, nuclei are located proximally. The result
reveals that root caps consisted of two regions, i.e., central columella
or statenchyma and peripheral regions. The columella cells (statocyte) are in
the form of oval to rectangular. We also found that all root with marked
gravitropism have statoliths that settle along different walls of that
statocyte. Caps vary in form and size within root system of A. marina.
The most striking feature of the root is the distinct and extensive root cap
with quite long files of cells. From its shape, structure, and location, it
seems clear that the root caps protects the cells under it from abrasion and
assists the root in penetrating the soil.