Characterization of the pits in parenchyma cells of the moso bamboo [Phyllostachys edulis (Carr.) J. Houz.] culm

Abstract The pits on parenchyma cell walls facilitate transfer of liquids between adjacent cells in the bamboo. To better understand the structure-function relationship of the pits, the structural characteristics of the pits in bamboo parenchyma cells need to be investigated. In this study, the pit structures were studied by field-emission environmental scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The samples included the native structure and the replica structure via resin castings. The results showed that the parenchyma cells possessed various shapes and the pits were diverse. Parenchyma cells exposed both simple and bordered pits. Pitting between vascular parenchyma cells (VPCs) was similar to that of the metaxylem vessel. In particular, a branched pit structure was found for the first time in the parenchyma cell.