Natalie A. Melrose
Project Topic / Abstract:
"Pollen Development in the Water Lily Cabomba caroliniana (Cabombaceae; Nymphaeales)"
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 light, scanning electron, and transmission
electron microscopy to examine pollen development within
Cabomba caroliniana. The research primarily focused on the
formation of the various pollen wall layers: tectum,
infratectal collumellae, foot layer, endexine, and intine.
In addition, the concomitant development of the anther was
investigated, with particular emphasis on the cell layer in
direct contact with the pollen grains, the tapetum. All
major ontogenetic 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)
2002 National Conference on Undergraduate
Research (Whitewater, WI)
2002 Truman Undergraduate Research
Symposium (Kirksville, MO)
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