B-type granule containing protrusions and interconnections between amyloplasts in developing wheat endosperm revealed by transmission electron microscopy and GFP expression

Starch granules in mature wheat endosperm show a bimodal size distribution. The formation of small starch granules in wheat endosperm cells was studie d by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and confocal laser scanning mic roscopy (CLSM) after expression and targeting of fluorescent protein into a myloplasts. Both techniques demonstrated the presence of protrusions emanat ing from A-type granules-containing amyloplasts and the presence of B-type starch granules in these evaginations. Moreover, CLSM recordings demonstrat ed the interconnection of the amyloplasts by these protrusions, suggesting a possible role of these protrusions in interplastid communication.