Translocation in Saccorhiza dermatodea (Laminariales, Phaeophyceae): anatomy and physiology

An anatomical, ultrastructural, histoautoradiographic, and physiological study was made of the kelp Saccorhiza dermatodea, which possesses an anatomy "atypical" of Laminariales. A freeze-substitution – histoautoradiographic procedure localized 14C-labelled organic matter in highly elongated cells (solenocysts) in the medulla of Saccorhiza. These cells are the major long-distance, symplastic translocation pathway in this alga. Solenocysts are joined to each other via numerous lateral connections involving small intermediary cells called allelocysts. Sieve plates (pore diam: ca. 0.05 μm; pore density: ca. 100 μm−2), pierced by plasmodesmata in which an occasional tubule may be seen, are present at all allelocyst–solenocyst junctions as well as at intercellular connections in the cortex and meristodermal layers. Solenocyst ultrastructure closely resembles that of typical sieve cells of Laminariales. Secondary wall deposition occurs between June and October constricting the numerous lateral sieve plates and n...