New Aspects of Secretory Structures in Five Alismataceae Species: Laticifers or Ducts?
Flávia Maria Leme,
João Pedro Silvério Pena Bento,
Vitoria Silva Fabiano,
Jean David Varilla González,
Vali Joana Pott,
Rosani do Carmo de Oliveira Arruda
Affiliations
Flávia Maria Leme
Laboratório de Anatomia Vegetal, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul, Cidade Universitária, Caixa Postal 549, Campo Grande 79070-900, MS, Brazil
João Pedro Silvério Pena Bento
Laboratório de Anatomia Vegetal, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul, Cidade Universitária, Caixa Postal 549, Campo Grande 79070-900, MS, Brazil
Vitoria Silva Fabiano
Laboratório de Anatomia Vegetal, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul, Cidade Universitária, Caixa Postal 549, Campo Grande 79070-900, MS, Brazil
Jean David Varilla González
Laboratório de Anatomia Vegetal, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul, Cidade Universitária, Caixa Postal 549, Campo Grande 79070-900, MS, Brazil
Vali Joana Pott
Herbário CGMS, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul, Cidade Universitária, Caixa Postal 549, Campo Grande 79070-900, MS, Brazil
Rosani do Carmo de Oliveira Arruda
Laboratório de Anatomia Vegetal, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul, Cidade Universitária, Caixa Postal 549, Campo Grande 79070-900, MS, Brazil
The secretory structures of Alismataceae have been described as secretory ducts, laticifer ducts, laticifer canals or schizogenous ducts. However, these terms are not found in the specialized literature, and ontogenetic analyses for the exact classification of these structures are missing. Accordingly, more studies regarding the secretory structures of Alismataceae are necessary to establish homology in the family or in the order. Thus, the aim of this study was to describe the anatomy, ontogeny, distribution in the organs and exudate composition of the secretory structures present in five Alismataceae species in order to determine whether the family has laticifers or secretory ducts. Samples of leaves, flowers and floral apices were processed for anatomical and histochemical analyses by light microscopy. The analysis indicated the presence of anastomosing secretory ducts in all species, occurring in both leaves and flowers. The exudate contains lipids, alkaloids, proteins and polysaccharides, including mucilage. The secretory duct structure, distribution and exudate composition suggest a defense role against herbivory and in wound sealing. The presence of secretory ducts in all species analyzed indicates a probable synapomorphy for the family.
