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Ultrastructural study on dynamics of plastids and mitochondria during microgametogenesis in watermelon

Lin Liu1

  • 1College of Life Sciences, Linyi University, Linyi 276000, China. liulin@lyu.edu.cn

Micron (Oxford, England : 1993)
|November 15, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Watermelon microgametogenesis shows plastid exclusion from the generative cell, ensuring maternal plastid inheritance. Mitochondria in the generative cell significantly decrease in size and cristae number during development.

Area of Science:

  • Plant reproductive biology
  • Cellular dynamics in microgametogenesis
  • Organelle inheritance

Background:

  • Understanding organelle inheritance is crucial for plant breeding and genetics.
  • Microgametogenesis involves complex cellular changes, including organelle segregation.
  • Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) exhibits specific patterns of plastid and mitochondrial inheritance.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the dynamics of plastids and mitochondria during watermelon microgametogenesis.
  • To determine the pattern of plastid inheritance in watermelon generative cells.
  • To characterize morphological changes in mitochondria within the generative cell.

Main Methods:

  • Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was employed to visualize organelle structures.
  • Microspores, bicellular pollen, and mature pollen grains were analyzed.
  • Comparative morphological analysis of plastids and mitochondria was performed.

Main Results:

  • Plastids were observed as proplastids in microspores and amyloplasts in vegetative cells, but absent in generative cells.
  • This plastid exclusion classifies watermelon as Lycopersicon type, indicating maternal plastid inheritance.
  • Mitochondria in the generative cell reduced in diameter from ~0.5 μm to ~0.16 μm and decreased in cristae number during development.

Conclusions:

  • Watermelon exhibits maternal plastid inheritance due to plastid exclusion from the generative cell.
  • Mitochondria undergo significant size reduction and cristae loss during watermelon microgametogenesis.
  • These findings provide insights into the cellular mechanisms governing organelle inheritance in plants.

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