Changes in the anatomy, morphology, and stored food reserves of stratifying (5 °C) sugar maple embryos were followed from a strongly dormant state through germination. The correlation of cell division and cell elongation with radicle protrusion was also investigated. No morphological or anatomical changes were observed before first maturation of phloem elements on the 17th day of stratification. Mature xylem elements were first observed on day 37, and first germination was noted on day 38. Radicle protrusion was initiated by cell elongation, and cell division was not active for several days after emergence and a marked increase in lengths of the axes had occurred. Changes in amounts of protein, lipid, and starch were not observed during the stratification period, but mobilization of stored reserves was clearly evident with emergence of the radicles. Several of these key events appeared to be closely associated with previously described peaks and patterns of growth regulator activity.
An Equatorial Contractile Mechanism Drives Cell Elongation but not Cell Division