The DNA content after Feulgen reaction in the guard cells and epidermis of Omithogalum umbellatum ovary was cytophotometrically measured in different phases of flower development. Only in bud of flowers guard cells DNA content was 2C while in full blown flowers it was higher, between 2C-4C. This observation was supported by autoradiographic studies with 3H-thymidine which was incorporated into guard cell nuclei in the ovary epidermis of newly developed flowers. Thus DNA level in O. umbellatum guard cells was higher than those in other plants described in literature. On the other hand, DNA content in the epidermis cells increased gradually with ovary growth reaching the maximum level of 8C in some cells.
Stomatal guard cells are highly differentiated cell types within the epidermis of higher plant leaves. These cells are intimately involved in regulating gas exchange, i.e. the release of water and the uptake of CO2, through the leaf surface. Guard cells represent an interesting cell type since they respond to various plant internal (e.g. hormones) and external (e.g. humidity, light, CO2) signals in a relatively simple manner. Stomatal pore size is changed by modulating the level of osmotically active compounds within the guard cells. In the past, guard cells have mainly been studied using electrophysiological, biochemical and whole-plant techniques. Only recently molecular techniques have been applied to address questions regarding control mechanisms of stomatal functioning. In the following a short overview is given on these molecular approaches.