[Double fertilization in flowering plants: 1898-2008]

A short review of the results of investigations in the field of plant embryology in vivo and in vitro which are directly connected with the discovery of double fertilization in flowering plants by S.G. Navashin is presented. These results have been obtained by using the methods of electron and fluorescence microscopy, cytophotometry, cultures of isolated ovules, sperms, eggs, and embryo sac central cells. The question on an origin of the female gametophyte of flowering plants, double fertilization, and endosperm are discussed. It is emphasized that the progress in this field is connected mostly with the study of molecular processes which control the development and functioning of a female gametophyte and sporophyte at the early stages of ontogenesis.