Morphological aspects of the galactomannan formation in the endosperm ofTrigonella foenum-graecum L. (Leguminosae).

The mode of deposition (secretion) of galactomannan in the cells of the seed endosperm ofTrigonella foenum-graecum has been studied by electron microscopy. In cells which are just beginning to secrete galactomannan there are stacks of rough endoplasmic reticulum (ER). The intracisternal space (containing the enchylema) of the rough ER then swells, becomes vacuolated and forms a voluminous network, with "pockets" of cytoplasm entrapped within poculiform rough ER. The enchylema contains material which reacts with periodate-thiocarbohydrazidesilver proteinate in a very similar manner to the galactomannan already deposited in the cell wall. It appears that the galactomannan is formed in the intracisternal space of the rough endoplasmic reticulum and then expelled outside the plasmalemma. This mode of deposition contrasts with that of other plant cell wall polysaccharides whose secretion is mediated by Golgi vesicles.