Viscin Cells in the Dwarf Mistletoe Arceuthobium ... - Davidsonia

Davidsonia 17:3 85
such activity in the viscin cells. Examination with the light microscope
showed that nuclei stained red and were thus showing some signs of
viability (Figure 6).
I have shown that the viscin cells of Arceuthobium are specialized
and unique, and have structural potential for roles in seed discharge
and adhesion. The presence of chloroplasts as well as observation
of biochemical activity in viscin cells following discharge need to
be investigated further, as viscin cells could perhaps be involved in
photosynthesis and even host recognition. A better understanding of
seed discharge and primary colonization of a new host may prove to be
valuable in future management of Arceuthobium parasitism.
Acknowledgements
I wish to thank Thompson Rivers University (TRU) for funding provided
by a Scholarly Activity Grant, as well as the Natural Sciences and Engineering
Research Council (NSERC) of Canada for a Discovery Grant I was
awarded at TRU. I also thank my former Ph.D. supervisor, Dr. Michael
J. Sumner, for his support and encouragement in my academic endeavors.
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