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Histological responses of some plant leaves to hydrogen fluoride and sulfur dioxide

Journal Article · · Am. J. Bot.; (United States)
OSTI ID:6165783

Dicotyledonous plants were fumigated with hydrogen fluoride and/or sulfur dioxide. Samples were taken of injured and control leaves, processed microtechnically, and examined microscopically. Histological responses to hydrogen fluoride and sulfur dioxide were indistinguishable. The spongy mesophyll and lower epidermis first collapsed, followed by distortion and chloroplast disruption in the palisade cells. The upper epidermis finally distorted and collapsed. Microscopically injured leaf tissues were selectively stained with safranin. Various postulates are discussed concerning the means and pathways by which a phytotoxic air pollutant may enter the leaf and produce injury therein. The evidence indicates that should fluoride enter a leaf in sub-phytotoxic concentrations, it is transported acropetally. Should phytotoxic levels be reached, visible marginal injury results.

Research Organization:
Univ. of California, Los Angeles
OSTI ID:
6165783
Journal Information:
Am. J. Bot.; (United States), Journal Name: Am. J. Bot.; (United States) Vol. 43:10; ISSN AJBOA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English