Nuclear fusion in cultured microspores of barley
Journal
Plant Cell Reports
Journal Volume
6
Journal Issue
3
Pages
191-193
Date Issued
1987
Author(s)
Abstract
Fusion of the generative and vegetative nuclei physically separated by a wall has been observed in cultured microspores of barley. The generative cell appears to play an active role in fusion as it elongates toward the vegetative nucleus, becomes detached from the microspore wall, and finally completely encloses the vegetative nucleus. The generative cell wall disappears before nuclear fusion takes place. Since these events have been known to occur during pollen development in vivo, it is hypothesized that the occurrence of nuclear fusion in cultured microspores is the result of continued expression of the genes for gametophytic development.
Type
journal article