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Pollen tube attraction by the synergid cell
T Higashiyama1, S Yabe, N Sasaki
1Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, University of Tokyo, Hongo, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan. higashi@biol.s.u-tokyo.ac.jp
Science (New York, N.Y.)
|August 25, 2001
Summary
Two synergid cells in flowering plants guide pollen tubes to the embryo sac for fertilization. This attraction signal stops after fertilization, potentially preventing polyspermy.
Area of Science:
- Plant reproduction
- Reproductive biology
- Flowering plant fertilization
Background:
- Pollen tube guidance to the embryo sac is essential for successful fertilization in flowering plants.
- The embryo sac is hypothesized to attract the pollen tube in the final guidance stage within the pistil.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of synergid cells in attracting pollen tubes to the embryo sac.
- To determine if synergid cells are the source of the pollen tube attraction signal.
Main Methods:
- Laser cell ablation was used to remove specific synergid cells.
- The effect of synergid cell removal on pollen tube guidance was observed.
Main Results:
- Two synergid cells adjacent to the egg cell were identified as the source of pollen tube attraction.
- A single synergid cell could generate an attraction signal, with two cells enhancing this signal.
- Pollen tube attraction ceased after fertilization, even with one synergid cell remaining.
Conclusions:
- Synergid cells play a crucial role in attracting pollen tubes during fertilization.
- The cessation of attraction post-fertilization may be a mechanism to prevent polyspermy.
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