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Fig. 2 | BMC Plant Biology

Fig. 2

From: Proline synthesis in developing microspores is required for pollen development and fertility

Fig. 2

Histochemical localization of GUS activity in anthers of p35S:GUS transgenic Arabidopsis plants. Inflorescences of p35S:GUS transgenic plants were infiltrated with X-Gluc solution, stained overnight, fixed and cleared for microscopic analysis. a Whole inflorescences of p35S:GUS with GUS staining in filaments, sepals, pistils and in floral buds at different developmental stages. b-f Histological cross sections of p35S:GUS anthers: b unstained anther at stage 11/12 showing faint blue iridescence due to light scattering. c Strong GUS staining at the vascular bundle at stage 11/12. No GUS activity was detected in fully mature pollen inside the pollen sacs. Bars in (b) and (c) = 50 μm. d Stage 8 anther at a higher magnification showing weak, diffuse GUS staining in all sporophytic tissues. e Stage 9 anther with no GUS staining in uninucleate microspores. f Stage 12 anther with weak GUS activity in degenerating anther wall but not in mature pollen. The faint greenish color visible in some pollen grains might indicate residual activity of the 35S promoter, but could also derive from diffusion of the soluble intermediate of X-Gluc staining or a low intrinsic GUS-like activity typical of pollen grains [57,58,59]. Bars = 20 μm in (d-f)

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