Morphology and function of the endoplasmic reticulum

Comparison with the findings in the cells of other plants and animals showed that the endoplasmic reticulum in the root apex of Fagopyrum has the same general character and function as in other biological objects, i.e. in secretory processes and especially in this case in the transport of the substances produced. Detailed studies of the morphology and activity of the endoplasmic reticulum showed some functional differences which are characteristic for this object. The endoplasmic reticulum participates apparently in the transport of the mass of known but functionally and nomenclatorically controversial formations which here are called dense bodies. Dense bodies exist in Fagopyrum in a considerable amount as compared to other objects. Frequent contact of the dense bodies with the ends of the endoplasmic reticulum, contact with the endoplasmic retieulum passing through the plasmodesm, accumulation of the dense bodies along the cell wall and in proximal distance of the plasmodesms and intensive staining of some plasmodesms was observed. The dense vacuoles in this object represent dilated spaces of the endoplasmic reticulum which apparently have the function of reservoirs of the dense mass. The endoplasmic reticulum in the calyptra cells appears to participate in the formation of the cell walls. This object differs hereby from others, where the participation of the Golgi apparatus has been observed in this function.