Mitochondria during androgenesis in Hordeum vulgare

Abstract

Different number of mitochondria of varying structure was observed in particular stages of the development of barley (Hordeum vulgare) microspores, stimulated by the in vitro culture to form embryoids. This variability was reflected in different shape of sections, different ratio between total area of mitochondria profiles and area of cytoplasm sections, varying number of cristae, and different density of the matrix. Within the cristae of some mitochondria crystalline inclusions were observed. Mitochondria divided by a contraction. In the matrix of some mitochondria spheric bodies were formed. They were surrounded by one or two membranes. It is suggested that the bi-membrane forms constituted promitochandria, whereas unimembrane forms could constitute promicrobodies.