Embryological studies on hybridization between Theobroma cacao and Theobroma grandiflora

1972 ◽  
Vol 50 (11) ◽  
pp. 2117-2124 ◽  
Author(s):  
Veronica A. Martinson
Keyword(s):  
Theobroma Cacao ◽  
Interspecific Cross ◽  
Embryo Sac ◽  
Egg Cell ◽  
Interspecific Crosses ◽  
Seed Formation ◽  
Contributory Factors ◽  
Poor Seed ◽  
Endosperm Formation ◽  
Species Hybridization

In a comparative study of embryo development in intraspecific (U6 × K5/353) and interspecific (U6 × T33) crosses of Theobroma, the development of the embryo sac as described by previous authors was confirmed. Disintegration of synergids showed that the growth of the pollen through the style was slightly quicker in intraspecific than in interspecific crosses, but the number of embryo sacs which had received male nuclei 3 days after pollination was about the same. Although gametic fusion and endosperm formation in the intraspecific cross was in advance of those in interspecific cross, the major blockage in species hybridization occurred subsequent to fertilization, and in most instances, well after the proembryo stage. Abnormal cell division and cell differentiation were contributory factors to poor seed formation. Possible causes of the abnormality have been discussed.Autonomous enlargement and the binucleate appearance of the egg cells in the unpollinated flower suggested a tendency to parthenogenesis and diploidization of the egg cell, under special conditions. Although a large proportion of the cacao seeds observed in the species crosses are most probably intraspecific seedlings arising from contamination after controlled pollinations, the occurrence of a small number of true maternal seeds cannot be ruled out altogether.

Overgrowth of Pollen Tubes in Embryo Sacs of Rhododendron Following Interspecific Pollinations

1986 ◽  
Vol 34 (4) ◽  
pp. 413 ◽  
Author(s):  
EG Williams ◽  
V Kaul ◽  
JL Rouse ◽  
BF Palser
Keyword(s):  
Pollen Tube ◽  
Embryo Sac ◽  
Pollen Tubes ◽  
Egg Cell ◽  
Interspecific Crosses ◽  
Main Body

Frequent overgrowths of pollen tubes within the embryo sac are characteristic of a number of interspecific crosses in the genus Rhododendron (Ericaceae). The combined techniques of sectioning, squashing and whole-ovule clearing have confirmed that in ovules showing this phenomenon the pollen tube fails to terminate growth and release sperms on entry into a synergid; instead it continues to grow beyond the synergid and egg cell, often filling the main body of the embryo sac with a coiled and distorted mass. Such ovules fail to develop further. The occurrence and possible causes of this error syndrome are discussed.

Pollination Sub-Systems Distinguished by Pollen Tube Arrest after Incompatible Interspecific Crosses in Rhododendron (Ericaceae)

1982 ◽  
Vol 53 (1) ◽  
pp. 255-277
Author(s):  
ELIZABETH G. WILLIAMS ◽  
BRUCE R. KNOX ◽  
JOHN L. ROUSE
Keyword(s):  
Pollen Tube ◽  
Tip Growth ◽  
Interspecific Cross ◽  
Embryo Sac ◽  
Epifluorescence Microscopy ◽  
Interspecific Crosses ◽  
Abnormal Behaviour ◽  
Callose Deposition ◽  
Variable Diameter ◽  
Stigmatic Exudate

The cytology of compatible and interspecific incompatible pollinations has been followed in selected species of the genus Rhododendron (Ericaceae). Pollinated pistils were fixed, cleared, stained in decolourized aniline blue, and observed by epifluorescence microscopy. Ten different abnormalities of arrested pollen tube tips have been detected, including burst, tapered, swollen, coiled, spiralling, spiky and variable diameter syndromes. A series of five errors of callose deposition in incompatible tubes has also been defined. Six different regions in the pistil for expression of pollen tube arrest have been found, including the stigmatic exudate, the mucilage of the upper and lower style canal, the ovary loculus, the micropyle. There may also be abnormal behaviour after entry into the embryo sac. Both the site of pollen tube arrest within the pistil, and the error syndrome of tip growth and callose deposition anomalies, are characteristic of each interspecific cross. These results are discussed in relation to the genetic control of reproduction.

scholarly journals The ultrastructure of the mature embryo sac in the natural tetraploid of red clover (Trifolium pratense L.): that has a very low rate of seed formation

2014 ◽  
Vol 66 (1) ◽  
pp. 13-20 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gönül Algan ◽  
H. Nurhan Bakar
Keyword(s):  
Endoplasmic Reticulum ◽  
Trifolium Pratense ◽  
Embryo Sac ◽  
Red Clover ◽  
Mature Embryo ◽  
Polar Nucleus ◽  
Central Cell ◽  
Egg Cell ◽  
Ultrastructural Organization ◽  
Seed Formation

In this study, ultrastructural organization of cells in the mature embryo sac of natural tetraploid <em>Trifolium pratense</em> L. was investigated. The mature embryo sac of this plant contains an egg cell with two synergids at the micropylar end, and a central cell with two polar nuclei. The ultrastructure of these cells agrees with what is known for most angiosperms studied with the electron microscope. The egg cell is a large and highly vacuolate cell, partially surrounded by a wall. Much of the cytoplasm is located around the nucleus at the chalazal end and there are few numbers of channel-shaped endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria, plastids and numerous ribosomes distributed throughout the cytoplasm. Unlike the egg cell, much of the cytoplasm in synergid cells is located at micropylar part of the cell and the synergid cytoplasm contains especially, large numbers of rough endoplasmic reticulum, free ribosomes, mitochondria and plastids. The central cell of <em>T. pratense</em> L. contains two large polar nuclei which lie close to the egg apparatus. Each polar nucleus has a single, large, dense nucleolus that contains several nucleolar vacuoles. Much of the central cell cytoplasm consisting of granular and agranular endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria, plastids, ribosomes, dictyosomes and lipid bodies are placed around polar nuclei.

Permanent odd polyploidy in a grass (Andropogon ternatus)

Genome ◽  
1987 ◽  
Vol 29 (2) ◽  
pp. 340-344 ◽  
Author(s):  
Guillermo A. Norrmann ◽  
Camilo L. Quarín
Keyword(s):  
Meiotic Division ◽  
Daughter Cell ◽  
Diploid Species ◽  
Embryo Sac ◽  
Pollen Grains ◽  
Sperm Nucleus ◽  
The Other ◽  
Breeding Systems ◽  
Egg Cell ◽  
Interspecific Crosses

Andropogon ternatus is a triploid species (2n = 3x = 30) with a striking process of microsporogenesis that leads to the formation of two kinds of pollen grains. One-half of the grains carry only one 10-chromosome genome and the other half carry two genomes. After the first meiotic division in the megaspore mother cell, the micropylar daughter cell always has two nuclei, each with 10 chromosomes (genomes S and T); the chalazal daugher cell has one 10-chromosome set (genome S) and undergoes the second meiotic division giving rise to two megaspores; the one closer to the chalaza is the functional megaspore, while the other degenerates. The two-nucleate micropylar daughter cell remains undivided and then degenerates. Thus, the embryo sac always develops from a megaspore with 10 chromosomes (genome S). The results of interspecific crosses with a taxonomically related diploid species (A. selloanus) as well as the study of pollen grain development suggest that the grains carrying nuclei with 20 chromosomes (genomes ST) are functional in the fertilization process, while those with 10-chromosome nuclei seem to be ineffective. Therefore, A. ternatus is a sexual triploid that accomplishes the stability of its odd polyploid level by transmitting one genome through the egg cell and two genomes through the sperm nucleus. This is the first report of permanent odd polyploidy for a species of the monocotyledons. Key words: Gramineae, Andropogon ternatus, odd polyploidy, female meiosis, breeding systems.

Early events in the embryo sac after intraspecific and interspecific pollinations in Rhododendron kawakamii and R. retusum

1986 ◽  
Vol 64 (2) ◽  
pp. 282-291 ◽  
Author(s):  
V. Kaul ◽  
J. L. Rouse ◽  
E. G. Williams
Keyword(s):  
Seed Set ◽  
Embryo Sac ◽  
Pollen Tubes ◽  
Interspecific Crosses ◽  
Primary Endosperm Nucleus ◽  
Kalmia Latifolia ◽  
Taxonomic Grouping ◽  
Similarities And Differences ◽  
Normal Fertilization

Early events in the embryo sac of Rhododendron kawakamii and R. retusum have been studied after compatible self-pollinations and eight interspecific crosses, using sectioned ovaries, pistil squashes, and seed-set data. Ovules of Rhododendron kawakamii and R. retusum are anatropous, unitegmic, and tenuinucellate, with a typical eight-nucleate, seven-celled embryo sac. Fertilization normally occurs 4–5 days after pollination. The zygote lays down a callose wall but remains undivided during the first 13–15 days after pollination. The primary endosperm nucleus divides soon after fertilization, and development is cellular ab initio. Crosses of R. kawakamii (♂) with R. santapaui and R. retusum and crosses of R. retusum (♂) with R. kawakamii, R. santapaui, R. ovatum, and R. tashiroi showed apparently normal fertilization in a majority of ovules entered by pollen tubes. In crosses of R. kawakamii (♂) with R. quadrasianum and Kalmia latifolia entry of pollen tubes into ovules was delayed and frequently abnormal. Apart from compatible self-pollinations of R. kawakamii an R. retusum, only the cross of R. kawakamii (♂) with R. santapaui produced healthy seedlings. Of the remaining seven interspecific crosses only three showed significant embryo development in control pistils left to mature in situ. Similarities and differences in the breeding behaviour of R. kawakamii and R. retusum are discussed with reference to their taxonomic grouping within subsection Pseudovireya.

scholarly journals Recent advances in understanding female gametophyte development

F1000Research ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
pp. 804 ◽  
Author(s):  
Debra J Skinner ◽  
Venkatesan Sundaresan
Keyword(s):  
Cell Fate ◽  
Female Gametophyte ◽  
Cell Communication ◽  
Embryo Sac ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Egg Cell ◽  
Male Gametes ◽  
Reproductive Unit ◽  
Genetic Mechanisms ◽  
Female Gametophyte Development

The haploid female gametophyte (embryo sac) is an essential reproductive unit of flowering plants, usually comprising four specialized cell types, including the female gametes (egg cell and central cell). The differentiation of these cells relies on spatial signals which pattern the gametophyte along a proximal-distal axis, but the molecular and genetic mechanisms by which cell identities are determined in the embryo sac have long been a mystery. Recent identification of key genes for cell fate specification and their relationship to hormonal signaling pathways that act on positional cues has provided new insights into these processes. A model for differentiation can be devised with egg cell fate as a default state of the female gametophyte and with other cell types specified by the action of spatially regulated factors. Cell-to-cell communication within the gametophyte is also important for maintaining cell identity as well as facilitating fertilization of the female gametes by the male gametes (sperm cells).

Development of a Heat-Inducible Gene Expression System Using Female Gametophytes of Arabidopsis thaliana

2019 ◽  
Vol 60 (11) ◽  
pp. 2564-2572 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dukhyun Hwang ◽  
Satomi Wada ◽  
Azusa Takahashi ◽  
Hiroko Urawa ◽  
Yasuhiro Kamei ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Arabidopsis Thaliana ◽  
Expression System ◽  
Embryo Sac ◽  
Gene Induction ◽  
Central Cell ◽  
Egg Cell ◽  
Dominant Negative Mutant ◽  
Nucleate Cell ◽  
Recombination System ◽  
Induction System

Abstract Female gametophyte (FG) is crucial for reproduction in flowering plants. Arabidopsis thaliana produces Polygonum-type FGs, which consist of an egg cell, two synergid cells, three antipodal cells and a central cell. Egg cell and central cell are the two female gametes that give rise to the embryo and surrounding endosperm, respectively, after fertilization. During the development of a FG, a single megaspore produced by meiosis undergoes three rounds of mitosis to produce an eight-nucleate cell. A seven-celled FG is formed after cellularization. The central cell initially contains two polar nuclei that fuse during female gametogenesis to form the secondary nucleus. In this study, we developed a gene induction system for analyzing the functions of various genes in developing Arabidopsis FGs. This system allows transgene expression in developing FGs using the heat-inducible Cre-loxP recombination system and FG-specific embryo sac 2 (ES2) promoter. Efficient gene induction was achieved in FGs by incubating flower buds and isolated pistils at 35�C for short periods of time (1–5 min). Gene induction was also induced in developing FGs by heat treatment of isolated ovules using the infrared laser-evoked gene operator (IR-LEGO) system. Expression of a dominant-negative mutant of Sad1/UNC84 (SUN) proteins in developing FGs using the gene induction system developed in this study caused defects in polar nuclear fusion, indicating the roles of SUN proteins in this process. This strategy represents a new tool for analyzing the functions of genes in FG development and FG functions.

The floral morphology and embryology of Themeda australis (R. Br.) Stapf

1964 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 157 ◽  
Author(s):  
PS Woodland
Keyword(s):  
Embryo Sac ◽  
Pollen Grains ◽  
Low Fertility ◽  
Linear Tetrad ◽  
Polygonum Type ◽  
Morphological Variations ◽  
Endosperm Formation ◽  
Secretory Type ◽  
Successive Cytokinesis ◽  
Mother Cells

A comparative study was carried out between diploid and tetraploid races of Themeda australis from Armidale and Cobar, respectively. Some morphological variations occur in both populations, but sporogenesis and gametogenesis are identical. The anther is tetrasporangiate and the development of its four-layered wall is described. The tapetum is of the secretory type and its cells become binucleate at the initiation of meiosis in the adjacent microspore mother cells which undergo successive cytokinesis. Microspore tetrads are usually isobilateral and the pollen grains are three-celled at dehiscence, which takes place by lateral longitudinal slits. The ovule is of a modified anatropous form and bitegmic, the broad micropyle being formed of both integuments. The single hypodermal archesporial cell develops directly into the megaspore mother cell and the nucellar epidermis undergoes periclinal and anticlinal divisions to form a conspicuous epistase. The chalaza1 megaspore of the linear tetrad gives rise to a Polygonum-type embryo sac. Material from the Armidale population showed one embryo sac per ovule, but two to five embryo sacs were present in that from Cobar. Embryogeny is typically graminaceous and endosperm formation is at first free-nuclear, later becoming cellular. Polyembryony follows fertilization of several embryo sacs within the same ovule. The reasons for low fertility of T. australis and poor germination of seeds are discussed.

Apomixis and abnormal anther development in Calotis lappulacea Benth. (Compositae)

1968 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 1 ◽  
Author(s):  
GL Davis
Keyword(s):  
New South ◽  
Embryo Sac ◽  
Pollen Grains ◽  
Anther Wall ◽  
Male Gametes ◽  
Globular Stage ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Vertical Division ◽  
Endosperm Formation ◽  
Embryo Sac Formation

A comparative study was made of material collected from four localities in New South Wales and Queensland and a number of embryological aberrations were found to be common to all districts. During microsporogenesis, certain tapetal cells not only failed to contribute to the tapetal periplasmodium but, after increasing in size, they separated from the anther wall and resembled one-, two-, or four-nucleate embryo sacs developing among the microspores. In one anther a structure was present which was very similar to a fully differentiated embryo sac. Although the pollen grains of some anthers contained male gametes, most anthers dehisced when the pollen was two-celled and some shrivelled soon after meiosis. Megasporogenesis was followed by the formation of linear tetrads of megaspores, but embryo sac formation was the result of somatic apospory and C. lappulacea appears to be an obligate apomict. The enlarging somatic cell usually invades the nucellar lobe and replaces the megaspores but one or more such celis commonly develop also in the chalaza, and up to eight embryo sacs were found in one ovule. Enlargement of a chalazal embryo sac sometimes resulted in penetration of the ovular epidermis and its invasion of the loculus as a haustorium-like structure. Extrusion of a developing embryo sac through the micropyle was common. Embryogeny is of the Asterad type, but vertical division of the terminal cell ca was delayed until after the basal cell cb had given rise to superposed cells m and ci. Polyembryony was common but only one embryo in each ovule reached maturity. Endosperm formation was independent of embryogeny but unless it was initiated before the globular stage of the embryo, the embryo sac collapsed and the embryo degenerated.

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