Correlation of nucleolar activity and nucleolar vacuolation in plant cells

Abstract

In root meristematic cells nucleolar structure varies with the cell cycle. Apart from normal meristematic nucleoli one finds nucleoli with a big central vacuole surrounded by a loose cortex with individual fibrillar centres [22] clearly visible within it. There are also intermediate structures between both nucleolar types. In Pisum sativum nuclear tissue, the structure of the vacuolated nucleoli is similar and appears in periods of high metabolic activity during megasporogenesis. In both tissues, vacuolated nucleoli incorporate tritiated uridine more actively than 'normal' nucleoli. In this work the structure of spontaneous nucleolar vacuoles is compared with that induced by drugs such as cordycepin, and FUdR. The vacuolated nucleolus with its increased surface corresponds to a transient structure which not only shows higher metabolic activity but also supplies a storing and/or transporting mechanism for nucleolar products.