The ultrastructure of low temperature stimulated rubber-producing cortical parenchyma in guayule

The low temperatures of the Chihuahuan Desert stimulate rubber biosynthesis in guayule plants, primarily by promoting rubber-producing cortical parenchyma cells and inducing the activity of enzymes in the pathway of rubber biosynthesis. Further progress in increasing rubber production in guayule requires a better understanding of the ultrastructure of the organelles in the rubber producing cortical parenchyma. The objective of this study was to investigate the ultrastructure of the organelles in the rubber producing cortical parenchyma. The electron photomicrographs show that the rubber-producing cortical parenchyma, in contrast to mature cortical parenchyma in stems not exposed to the low temperatures, contain a high population of rubber particles, an abundant number of mitochondria, chloroplasts, a well-structured nucleus, rough endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparati. The double membrane nucleus is important in the low temperature induction of rubber-forming enzymes: rubber transferase and 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase. Photographic enlargements of the population of mitochondria show well-developed inner membrane folding that functions in ATP production to support the energy requirements of rubber biosynthesis. Electron photomicrographs show dividing chloroplasts that increase the number of plastids in the rubber-producing parenchyma. The well-structured grana and stroma lamellae may produce energy for the stroma production of carbon precursors of rubber. Photographic enlargements show a cortical parenchyma with an active Golgi apparatus, producing an abundant number of vesicles. Features of this electron photomicrograph is the fusion of a Golgi vesicle with a rubber particle, suggesting the transport of Golgi-processed glycolipids and glycoproteins to the rubber particles, and the rubber particles extending into the central cytosol still attached to the RER indicating an earlier origin of the rubber particle from the RER. The electron photomicrographs of the ultrastructure of rubber-producing cortical parenchyma in guayule stems support the conclusion that these cells contain an abundant number of organelles relating to the low temperature stimulated rubber synthesis.