Electron Microscopic Observations of Cultured Cells and Protoplasts of Ammi Visnaga

Protoplasts were prepared from cultured cells of Ammi visnaga (Umbelliferae) by enzymatic digestion of the cell walls and examined microscopically. Staining of fresh protoplasts with Calcofluor and silver hexamine demonstrated the apparent absence of wall material. Protoplasts contained more cell organelles than the whole cells, particularly endoplasmic reticulum and associated polysomes. The plasmalemma of most protoplasts appeared smooth; some protoplasts were connected by structures resembling plasmodesmata. Multinucleates resulting from fusion were frequently observed.