Figure 2.

Effect of lyticase on the abundance of callose in Solanum and Lilium pollen grains observed after labeling with decolorized aniline blue and corresponding differential interference contrast (DIC) images. A and B, Solanum pollen at the beginning of imbibition in liquid control medium. Callose is distributed evenly around the grain. C and D, Solanum pollen after 30 min of imbibition in liquid control medium. Callose accumulations are visible at the base of the emerging pollen tube. E and F, Solanum pollen grain germinating in solidified medium shows significantly weaker callose label. G and H, Solanum pollen after 30 min of imbibition in medium containing 8 mg mL⁻¹ lyticase. The pollen grain has burst and callose label at the functional aperture is weak. I and J, Lilium pollen after 45 min of imbibition in control medium. Callose label is present in the colpus, but no accumulation is visible at the base of the emerging pollen tube. K and L, Lilium pollen after 45 min of imbibition in 0.5 mg mL⁻¹ lyticase. Callose label is very weak; the pollen grain remains intact. Bars = 10 μm (A–H); 30 μm (I–L).