Angela M. Ingraham
Project Topic / Abstract:
"Pollen and anther development in the fanwort (Caboma caroliniana, Cabombaceae)"
The water lily Cabomba caroliniana Gray is commonly known as
fanwort and occurs throughout North and South America in
subtropical to temperate environments. While fanwort enjoys
popularity as an aquarium plant, it is also a nuisance,
often clogging recreational waterways. Evolutionarily, water
lilies are widely regarded to be among the most primitive
flowering plants. Although studies of pollen morphology and
development provide important data for determining
evolutionary relationships, little is known about these
reproductive traits in Cabomba. The objective of this study
was to use electron microscopy to examine pollen development
within Cabomba caroliniana, focusing specifically on the
formation of pollen wall layers. The major developmental
stages have been identified, including microspore mother
cells, tetrads, free microspores, and mature pollen grains.
Pollen at each stage was compared with regard to a number of
key characters such as size, surface sculpture, aperture
structure, wall ultrastructure, and presence of wall
microchannels.
Presentations:
2001 Truman Undergraduate Research
Symposium (Kirksville, MO)
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