Seed development in Phaseolus vulgaris L., Populus nigra L., and Ranunculus sceleratus L. with special reference to the microtubular cytoskeleton

In this thesis, seed development is investigated in celery-leafed buttercup ( Ranunculus sceleratus L.), bean ( Phaseolus vulgaris L.) and poplar ( Populus nigra L.). Developing embryos, endosperms and seed coats are investigated. The comparative study of seed morphology, anatomy and development gives insight into the different types of seed differentiation in relation to its function. A main goal of the thesis is to study the role of the microtubular cytoskeleton in plant reproduction processes. Special attention has been paid to configurations of microtubular cytoskeleton during cellularization of the endosperm. Functions of the microtubular cytoskeleton in relation to the particular organizations of microtubular populations have been analyzed based on the studies of the overall developmental patterning of tissues and organs. Cytomorphogenesis during seed development is investigated at histological and cytological levels using combined techniques of conventional light microscopy, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, and immunofluorescence light microscopy