Qualitative histochemistry of the shoot apex of Triticum

Abstract

Qualitative histochemical assays localized lipids, carbohydrates, succinate dehydrogenase, and acid phosphatase in Triticum aestivum seedlings. Starch was present in the base of the shoot apex and near vascular tissues throughout the seedlings. Succinate dehydrogenase activity was located in the apical summit, apical base, young leaf primordia, and very young axillary buds. Acid phosphatase was localized at the base of the apex, scutellum, and aleurone tissues. Thicker cell walls were noted in the epidermis of the apical dome and at the base of the apex. This combination of histochemical staining patterns suggests initiation of provascular tissue very early in leaf initiation.