Uncovering the ultrastructure of ramiform pits in the parenchyma cells of bamboo [Phyllostachys edulis (Carr.) J. Houz.]

Abstract

Abstract Pits are the main transverse channels of intercellular liquid transport in bamboo. Ramiform pits are a special type of simple pit with two or more branches. However, little is known about the morphology and physiological functions of ramiform pits. The anatomy of plants can provide important evidence for the role of cells. To better understand the ultrastructure and the structure-function relationship of ramiform pits, their characteristics need to be investigated. In this study, both qualitative and quantitative features of ramiform pits were studied using field-emission environmental scanning electron microscopy (FE-ESEM). The samples included the native structures and the replica structures obtained by resin castings. The results show that the ramiform pits have a diverse morphology that can be divided into main categories: type I (the primary branches) and type II (the secondary branches). The distribution of ramiform pits is different in ground parenchyma cells (GPCs) and vascular parenchyma cells (VPCs). The number, the pit aperture diameter and the pit canal length of ramiform pits in the VPCs were, respectively, greater (3-fold), larger (2–3-fold) and shorter (1.3-fold) than those in the GPCs.