Figure 5.

Overexpression of SND1 Induces Ectopic Deposition of Lignified Secondary Walls in Epidermal and Mesophyll Cells of Leaves.

Leaves of 3-week-old transgenic plants were observed with a confocal microscope for secondary walls and lignin autofluorescence, and differential interference contrast (DIC) and confocal images were collected. Bars = 42 μm in (A) to (F) and 21 μm in (G) to (J).

(A) and (B) DIC image (A) and lignin autofluorescent signals (B) of a wild-type leaf showing the helical secondary wall thickening in veins.

(C) and (D) DIC image (C) and lignin autofluorescent signals (D) of leaf epidermis of SND1 overexpressors showing the massive ectopic secondary wall thickening.

(E) and (F) DIC image (E) and lignin autofluorescent signals (F) of leaf mesophyll cells of SND1 overexpressors showing the ectopic deposition of secondary walls.

(G) and (H) High magnification of (C) and (D) showing the band-like secondary wall thickening in epidermis.

(I) and (J) High magnification of (E) and (F) showing the reticulated secondary wall thickening in mesophyll cells.