Plasmalemmasomes in cotyledon leaves of germinating Vigna radiata L. (mung beans)

Storage parenchyma, vascular parenchyma and phloem companion cells are found adjacent to sieve tubes in the vascular bundles of cotyledon leaves of mung bean (Vigna radiata L.) seedlings. The paramural bodies of storage parenchyma cells are characterized by flask shaped invaginations of the plasmalemma whereas the plasmalemmasomes of the adjacent vascular parenchyma and companion cells consist of numerous finger‐like evaginations which are not enclosed in plasmalemma pockets. Phloem associated transfer cells are not present and it is suggested that the fine tubular plasmalemmasomes may act as the interface between apoplast and symplast in the transport of rapidly mobilized reserves during germination. Tubular structures observed within the protoplasts of storage cells close to vascular tissue were also observed in vascular parenchyma and companion cells between the plasmalemmae and cell walls.