Morphology of the Base of Seed Hairs of Gossypium I. Gross Morphology

The gross morphology of the base of the cotton seed hair is detailed and illustrated by means of whole mounts of cells isolated by maceration. 2. The observations presented are consistent with the thesis that all hair cells are epidermal in origin. 3. Growing fiber cells are considered to derive their nutrition from the immediately underlying outer pigment layer with which the foot is in intimate contact; the foot is interpreted as an absorptive organelle. 4. Fiber detachment occurs by breakage at the surface of the seed rather than below the surface in the constricted region. Thus, the fiber base remains in situ after removal of fibers.