Structural Differentiation of the Connective Stalk in Spirodela polyrhiza (L.) Schleiden

Structural differentiation of the connective stalk in giant duckweed, Spirodela polyrhiza, was examined to reveal the anatomical and ultrastructural characteristics within reduced shoot. The study focuses primarily on structural features of the connective stalk (CT), which connect offspring to their mother fronds. Photoautotrophic offspring fronds remained connected by stalks to mother fronds in the reproductive pockets until separation. The CT originated from the meristematic region of the abaxial frond and joined the fronds laterally with two abscission layers. The most notable features of the CT were polymorphic mitochondria, random occurrences of fibrillar structures in intercellular spaces, and great variability in cell wall thickness. Vascular tissues in CTs were highly reduced, demonstrating only a central vascular strand. Grana with 2 to 4 thylakoids and starch grains were found in the chloroplasts. A chlorophyll assay indicated high chlorophyll concentrations in daughter fronds and low concentrations in CTs. The frond and CT, while physically connected to each other, functioned independently. Despite great reduction in S. polyrhiza, the CT has proven to be very efficient for separating offspring from the mother frond, which lends to its capacity for rapid vegetative reproduction. The ultrastructural aspects of CTs in S. polyrhiza were characterized for the first time in this study.