The study of a monocotyledon abscission zone using microscopic, chemical, enzymatic and solid state C-13 CP/MAS NMR analyses

We have investigated distinguishing features in cells of the abscission zon e of a monocotyledon fruit, the oil palm Elaeis guineensis. The cell walls of the abscission zone and the subtending mesocarp and pedivel have been an alysed by light and transmission electron microscopy, by chemical methods a nd by solid state C-13 CP/MAS NMR spectroscopy. Results show that these abs cission zone cells have specific characteristics which include high levels of unmethylated pectin in the walls and an inducible (x35) polygalacturonas e enzyme expression. Together these findings help to explain the localised precision of cell separation events. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rig hts reserved.