We found a match
Your institution may have rights to this item. Sign in to continue.
- Title
Mutants with aberrant numbers of gametic cells shed new light on old questions.
- Authors
Moll, C.; Nielsen, N.; Groß-Hardt, R.
- Abstract
In contrast to animals, plant gametes form in distinct haploid generations, termed gametophytes. The female gametophyte of Arabidopsis consists of two gametic cells, the egg and central cell, which are flanked by accessory cells. The gametic cells differ with respect to morphology, molecular attributes and, importantly, their fate: whereas the egg cell, upon fertilisation, gives rise to the embryo, the central cell forms the endosperm. To ensure correct endosperm formation, not only the egg cell but also the central cell has to fuse with a sperm cell. The respective sperm cell pair is delivered by a single pollen tube. In some plant species, the two male gametes appear to express a different bias towards the female gametes. Such a preference consequently determines their respective contribution to either embryo or endosperm development. In Arabidopsis and many other species the sperm cells are indistinguishable and it has been discussed whether they possess an inherent preference for either of the female gametes. The recent isolation of mutants that form an aberrant number of either male or female gametes stimulates discussion, albeit with different results. Furthermore, some data indicate that the central cell is competent to initiate endosperm formation without a paternal contribution. These data support the theory that the endosperm is of gametophytic rather than sporophytic origin.
- Subjects
ARABIDOPSIS; ENDOSPERM; PLANT cells &; tissues; GAMETES; FERN gametophytes; FERTILIZATION (Biology)
- Publication
Plant Biology, 2008, Vol 10, Issue 5, p529
- ISSN
1435-8603
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1111/j.1438-8677.2008.00127.x