This paper reports the discovery of microtubules in the cell cortex of plant cells involved in wall formation. Using glutaraldehyde as a fixative, the researchers observed improved preservation of cortical fine structure compared to previous studies using only osmium tetroxide. They identified slender tubules, 230-270 Å in diameter, in the cortical regions of cells from two angiosperms and one gymnosperm. These tubules are similar in morphology to those found in plant cell mitotic spindles, though slightly smaller. The tubules are positioned to influence cytoplasmic streaming and the arrangement of cell wall materials. They align with the orientation of cellulose microfibrils in adjacent cell walls. The study examined the structure and distribution of these tubules in interphase cells, finding them primarily in the region beneath the plasma membrane. They are arranged in parallel arrays, with spacing of at least 350 Å between adjacent tubules. The tubules are surrounded by a zone that excludes most cytoplasmic components. In dividing cells, the tubules are found in the spindle, oriented parallel to the spindle's long axis. They are also present in the region of the forming cell plate and may migrate to the lateral and end walls of daughter cells after telophase. The tubules are similar in structure to those found in animal cells, particularly in the mitotic spindle. They are composed of a wall about 70 Å thick and a lumen of 100 Å in diameter. These structures are thought to play a role in cell wall formation, possibly acting as primers for cellulose deposition. The tubules are distributed in a manner that parallels the orientation of cellulose microfibrils in the cell wall, suggesting a role in determining wall structure. The study suggests that these tubules may be a key component in the organization of cell wall formation in plant cells. The findings indicate that these structures are widespread in plant cells and may be important in the development and orientation of cell wall patterns.This paper reports the discovery of microtubules in the cell cortex of plant cells involved in wall formation. Using glutaraldehyde as a fixative, the researchers observed improved preservation of cortical fine structure compared to previous studies using only osmium tetroxide. They identified slender tubules, 230-270 Å in diameter, in the cortical regions of cells from two angiosperms and one gymnosperm. These tubules are similar in morphology to those found in plant cell mitotic spindles, though slightly smaller. The tubules are positioned to influence cytoplasmic streaming and the arrangement of cell wall materials. They align with the orientation of cellulose microfibrils in adjacent cell walls. The study examined the structure and distribution of these tubules in interphase cells, finding them primarily in the region beneath the plasma membrane. They are arranged in parallel arrays, with spacing of at least 350 Å between adjacent tubules. The tubules are surrounded by a zone that excludes most cytoplasmic components. In dividing cells, the tubules are found in the spindle, oriented parallel to the spindle's long axis. They are also present in the region of the forming cell plate and may migrate to the lateral and end walls of daughter cells after telophase. The tubules are similar in structure to those found in animal cells, particularly in the mitotic spindle. They are composed of a wall about 70 Å thick and a lumen of 100 Å in diameter. These structures are thought to play a role in cell wall formation, possibly acting as primers for cellulose deposition. The tubules are distributed in a manner that parallels the orientation of cellulose microfibrils in the cell wall, suggesting a role in determining wall structure. The study suggests that these tubules may be a key component in the organization of cell wall formation in plant cells. The findings indicate that these structures are widespread in plant cells and may be important in the development and orientation of cell wall patterns.