The application of the freeze fracture and cytoplasmic maceration technique to mature pollen grains is described. In this method anthers are freeze fractured and the cytoplasm of exposed cells is macerated by treatment with a dilute solution of osmium tetroxide. When examined in the scanning electron microscope the specimens reveal details of cell walls and membraneous organelles. It is possible to examine fractured pollen walls complete with intine, the inner surface of which may possess endosculpturing. The disposition of pollen grains within anthers and such features as pollen connecting viscin threads may be studied with the technique.
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