International Journal of Anatomy and Physiology

International Journal of Anatomy and Physiology ISSN: 2326-7275 Vol. 5 (4), pp. 122-128, April, 2016. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

A study of the anatomical features of testa and other associated structures in selected banana ecotypes

*Abdullah Naser¹, Dewan Abbas¹ and Haider Akhtar²

¹Department of Botany, Faculty of Biological Science, University of Dhaka, Dhaka, Bangladesh.

²Department of Crop Science, Faculty of Biological Science, Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Bangladesh.

*Corresponding author. E-mail: [email protected].

Accepted 12 July, 2015

Abstract

Low and erratic germination in wild banana seed is caused by dormancy due to physical, anatomical or physiological reasons. Imbibition activates germination process and the rate of water uptake during imbibition is influenced by seed molecular composition and internal and external morphological structures. The present study aimed at examining the effect of seed anatomy and seed moisture content on water uptake by wild banana seeds. Matured fresh and dry, intact or scarified seeds of three wild banana ecotypes (MUSA ACUMINATA Colla) viz. Krau White, Serdang Red and Serdang Yellow were imbibed for up to 96 h. Percentage increase in seed mass was recorded at different intervals. Internal morphological structures of fresh and dry seeds were viewed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Seed mass increased rapidly within first hour and the rate of increase was always higher in dry seed than the fresh seed in all the ecotypes. The SEM observation revealed that the rapid increase of seed mass is likely due to the shrinking of the operculum and the surrounding tissues in the hilum area which resulted in the formation and widening of a water channel in dry seed. This study indicates that operculum does not impede water uptake in mature banana seed during imbibition, suggesting that seed dormancy in these three ecotypes is not due to physical dormancy but may be physiological in nature.

Key words: Musa acuminata, imbibition, seed coat, scarification, physical dormancy.

International Journal of Anatomy and Physiology ISSN: 2326-7275 Vol. 5 (3), pp. 116-121, March, 2016. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Effect of vesicular arbuscular mycorrhiza (VAM)  on the absorptive capabilities of root systems

*Peter Palmer, Bobby Isaac and Hughes King

Department of Plant Anatomy and Physiology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic.

*Corresponding author. E-mail: [email protected]

Accepted 05 January, 2015

Abstract

The absorption of water and nutrient ions from the soil solution is among the primary roles of roots. To reach the xylem for axial transport, the water and minerals must circumvent the exodermis and (or) endodermis, both of which act as barriers to radial apoplastic diffusion. To do this, the water and minerals must enter the symplast of cells located outside of the outermost apoplastic barrier. Mycorrhiza are known to impact root anatomy and ion uptake, but their effect on those cells where symplastic entry must occur is not known. To examine their impact, the surface area of those living cells apoplastically exposed to the soil solution in Zea mays and Lycopersicon esculentum was examined. For each species, plants inoculated with vesicular arbuscular mycorrhiza and uninoculated plants were examined. The average cell size and number of cells located outside the endodermis (L. esculentum) or exodermis (Z. mays) was assessed by microscopic observation and the appropriate calculations were performed. The absorptive surface area of L. esculentum was not significantly different between inoculated (161 cm²/cm root length) and uninoculated (163 cm²/ cm root length) plants. However, there was a statistically significant difference between Z. mays inoculated (average 37 cm² /cm root length) and uninoculated (average 11 cm²/cm root length). How this may impact ion uptake pathways is discussed.

Key words: Mycorrhiza, Lycopersicon esculentum, Zea mays, ion uptake potential.

International Journal of Anatomy and Physiology ISSN: 2326-7275 Vol. 5 (2), pp. 100-106, February, 2016. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

A study of the anatomical features of the stem and petiole of the West African species of Momordica

*James Attoh, Mtem Akume and Ayua Torwel

Department of Physiology and Paraphysiology, College of Health Science, Benue State University, Benue, Nigeria.

*Corresponding author. E-mail: [email protected].

Accepted 11 April, 2015

Abstract

Petiole and stem gross anatomy of seven West African species of Momordica L of the family Cucurbitaceae were studied. This was with a view to exploiting their systematic and taxonomic significance; this is because other studies on them were based on morphology. Representatives of the five species were obtained from various parts of the West African sub-region and passed through standard treatments to make permanent anatomical slides for the study. Micrographic evidences of distinguishing and affinity taxonomic features were made. Variations in petiole and stem anatomical attributes were obvious that they could be used as systematic evidence to taxonomically delineate these taxa even at species level. The evidences are used to locate the species in the tribe Cucurbitoideae. The occurrence of grit cells below the epidermis of the petiole of Momordica cabraei is remarkable and separates it from others; this is reported for the first time. Whereas in Momordica cissoides, brachysclerids are found interspersing the cells of the epidermal layer of the petiole which is also reported for the first time. Both stem and petiolar vascular bundle quantitatively separates the species. Cortical parenchyma cellular layers differentiates the species and therefore delineated them. Momordica balsamina stands apart with the possession of stemic 15 to 17 cellular layers of sclerenchymatous tissues. In M. cabraei, the grit cells are present in stem where it is scattered across the tissues whereas in Momordica multiflora, where it was lacking in petiole, packs are arranged below stemic epidermal tissues. The occurrence of starch deposit across various tissue layers of M. multiflora petiole also stands it out. Various other distinguishing features are discussed. The use of petiolar and stemic anatomical features in systematic description of Momordica species is maiden and innovative and reported for the first time.

Key words: Momordica, Cucurbitaceae, stem, petiole, systematics, taxonomy, cucurbitoideae.

International Journal of Anatomy and Physiology ISSN: 2326-7275 Vol. 5 (1), pp. 093-099, January, 2016. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

A study of biological basis for radiographic appraisal of periradicular pathology

Kayode Ibikunle

Department of Anatomy and Molecular Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria. E-mail: [email protected]

Accepted 2 July, 2015

Abstract

The periodontium surrounds and supports the teeth and consists of four major components; gingiva, periodontal ligaments, cementum/dentin, and alveolar bone/lamina dura, with collective function of keeping the tooth in position despite varying changes and responses during mastication. A near-normal radiograph of periradicular tissues was used as the basis for evaluation of some common periradicular radiographic pathologies. Apical periodontitis was 70 (58.33%), alveolar abscess 32 (26.66%), and apical granulomas 15 (12.50%). A background anatomy of the periodontium is advocated as a precondition for accurate evaluation of periradicular pathologies.

Key words: Periodontium, periradicular, pathology.

International Journal of Anatomy and Physiology ISSN: 2326-7275 Vol. 5 (3), pp. 107-115, March, 2016. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Anatomical study of economically viable grass Brachiaria Mutica (Forsskil) Stapf in Eastern India

*Alok Kori, Kumar Singh and Arya Gopal

Department of Plant Physiology, Faculty of Botany, Banaras Hindu University, Uttar Pradesh, India.

*Corresponding author. E-mail: [email protected].

Accepted 22 July, 2015

Abstract

Poaceae is the one of the largest family among the monocotyledons in the world. Plants of this family are very frequent like other grasses. BRACHIARIA MUTICA, an economically important plant is considered as one of the best tropical grass for general purposes. The species were commonly used as green foliage, grazing and local resources for animal fodder. The present study deals with few systematic parameters viz. morphology, anatomy, palynology of B. MUTICA which is commonly known as para grass in Eastern India. The result showed some distinct morphological and anatomical as well as palynological characters. All the detailed systematic study of this plant has not worked earlier.

Key words: Brachiaria mutica, morphology, anatomy, palynology, economically viable, Eastern India.

Key words: Pharmacy students, traditional method.