Preprophase bands in a suspension culture of the monocot Spartina pectinata

Abstract

Continuous suspension cultures of the marsh grass Spartina pectinata grow as either unorganized colonies or files of cells. Immunofluorescence of tubulin revealed microtubule (MT) structures similar to those encountered in meristematic cells, including cortical microtubule (MT) bands in some interphase cells and in all prophase cells. These MT bands were judged to be preprophase bands (PPBs) on the basis of their temporal appearance in the cell cycle and their position and orientation relative to division planes. Although PPBs are widely thought to be associated with organized tissues and polarized divisions, there are reports of PPBs in suspension cultures of four dicot species. This is the first report of a PPB in suspension cultures of a monocot species.