Ceratopteris richardii (C-ferns) have been used to routinely study genetic crosses in our genetics laboratory courses. C-ferns produce two types of gametophytes: hermaphrodites and males. The hermaphrodites are heart-shaped flat, single-cell layer gametophytes producing both archegonia and antheridia and the males are club-shaped structures with antheridia only. When a concentrated NaCl solution (5%) is added to these structures, plasmolysis can be observed in a matter of minutes. Since these plant forms are only a single-cell-layer thick, they offer a clearer, easier to view, model to observe and study plasmolysis in plants than the traditionally used Elodea leaves, which are two-cell layers thick. The sporophyte generation of C-ferns is also only one-cell layer thick. These sporophytes make a rosette type clump and segments or pinnae from the developing fronds (pinnately compound leaves) can be easily plucked and make a neat flat sheet on a microscope slide on which plasmolysis (and/or turgor) can be observed. An additional mutant, the polka dot, “naturally” has clusters of chloroplasts in the center of the cell, so adding concentrated solutions does not affect the phenotype. Stomata are also easily observed in the sporophytes and are another way C-ferns can be used in undergraduate laboratory projects. For example, students can test hypotheses about various conditions that would affect the number of open and closed stomata in C-ferns.
We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.Ok
