Original scientific paper

Chromoplasts in the sepals of Physalis alkekengi: The effect of norflurazon on chromoplast differentiation

Nikola Ljubešić ; Ruđer Bošković Institute, Department of Molecular Genetics, Zagreb, Croatia
Tatjana Prebeg ; Ruđer Bošković Institute, Department of Molecular Genetics, Zagreb, Croatia
Zvonimir Devidé ; Ruđer Bošković Institute, Department of Molecular Genetics, Zagreb, Croatia
Ljerka Regula-Bevilacqua ; University of Zagreb, Faculty of Science, Department of Botany, Zagreb, Croatia

Abstract

The differentiation of chromoplasts in the sepals of Physalis alkekengi was studied by light- and electron-microscopy and pigment analyses. The development of the chromoplasts from the chloroplasts started about four weeks after antítesis and, within the next two weeks resulted in the formation of small electron-transparent crystalloids connected to plastoglobules. Treatment of the sepals with norflurazon, which inhibits p-carotene accumulation, prevented the formation of the small crystalloids. Only numerous plastoglobules filled the chromoplasts. The results are discussed with regard to the already known action of some bleaching herbicides.

Keywords

Physalis alkekengi L.; sepals; chromoplast differentiation; carotenoid crystalloid; norflurazon; ultrastructure

Hrčak ID:

160602

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/160602

Publication date:

31.12.1999.

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