The DNA content after Feulgen reaction in the guard cells and epidermis of Omithogalum umbellatum ovary was cytophotometrically measured in different phases of flower development. Only in bud of flowers guard cells DNA content was 2C while in full blown flowers it was higher, between 2C-4C. This observation was supported by autoradiographic studies with 3H-thymidine which was incorporated into guard cell nuclei in the ovary epidermis of newly developed flowers. Thus DNA level in O. umbellatum guard cells was higher than those in other plants described in literature. On the other hand, DNA content in the epidermis cells increased gradually with ovary growth reaching the maximum level of 8C in some cells.
The main question in this review is of whether and how the cytoskeleton of guard cells is involved in stomata movements. The main function of stomata is the regulation of the rate of gas exchange between the plant environment and underlying plant tissues. As a result of special morphology and anatomy GCs form the stomatal pore. It can open or close in a controlled manner via internal or external signal-induced changes in GCs turgor pressure, volume and shape. The mechanism of stomata movement is a complex process. A network of actin microfilaments and microtubules, dynamic polymers collectively known as the cytoskeleton forms protein fibril systems in GCs. CT elements are dynamic structures, interconnected to different cell structures. The organization of CT during morphogenesis of stomata is very important in establishing the size and shape of GCs. It is well documented that AFs and MTs are involved in stomata movements and can modify the ability of GCs to respond to environmental and hormonal stimuli. Data gathered clearly suggest that the organization of CT elements is not a direct effect of stomata movements. Several investigation procedures for study of the CT role in stomata functioning, including GCs treatment with anti-CT drugs (disrupters or stabilizers), have been analyzed and discussed in this review but the question of what role AFs and MTs play in stomata movements and how they work still remains open. The availability of new CT visualization techniques and the usage of mutants to study this problem is a good perspective for further research.
Stomatal guard cells are highly differentiated cell types within the epidermis of higher plant leaves. These cells are intimately involved in regulating gas exchange, i.e. the release of water and the uptake of CO2, through the leaf surface. Guard cells represent an interesting cell type since they respond to various plant internal (e.g. hormones) and external (e.g. humidity, light, CO2) signals in a relatively simple manner. Stomatal pore size is changed by modulating the level of osmotically active compounds within the guard cells. In the past, guard cells have mainly been studied using electrophysiological, biochemical and whole-plant techniques. Only recently molecular techniques have been applied to address questions regarding control mechanisms of stomatal functioning. In the following a short overview is given on these molecular approaches.