Ultrastructural changes during megasporogenesis in Epipactis (Orchidaceae)

Plastids were temporarily localized within the micropylar portion of the early first prophase Epipactis meiocyte. Some of these plastids were observed in close proximity to the nuclear envelope. With the exception of this short period plastids were distributed randomly in the meiocyte. During late prophase, starch-containing plastids become cup-shaped and depleted of starch. Plastids were found within both dyad cells and all cells of the tetrad. Elongated segments of ER cisternae in various configurations were present. The chalazal wall of the prophase meiocyte differed from other walls in the presence of the ingrowths and plasmodesmata. The micropylar portion of the nuclear envelope at some stages of the I prophase seemed to be devoid of pores whereas the chalazal part contained numerous pores. These structural characters reflect a polar differentiation of the meiocyte along a micropylar-chalazal axis.