Cotton embryogenesis: The zygote

The zygote of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) remains undivided for approximately [Formula: see text] days following fertilization. The changes which occur during this period can be divided into two stages. During stage 1 the zygote decreases in volume so that its volume becomes one half that of the egg. Correlated with this change a number of alterations occur in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) numerous enlargements form; it becomes closely associated with the plasma membrane; and an internal network of tubes appears in it. The plastids and mitochondria become grouped around the zygote nucleus. The ribosomes form large, helical polysomes which are arranged as shells around the plastids and mitochondria. Starch accumulation and wall formation over the chalazal end of the cell, which begins during the end of stage 1, continues during stage 2. A new set of ribosomes appear in the cytoplasm. These either remain single, or aggregate into small polysomes. The large, helical polysomes of stage 1 persist. Ultimately the zygote becomes a highly polarized cell, rich in starch, surrounded by a wall, filled with a tube containing ER, and two types of polysomes, one composed of ribosomes present in the egg and the other of ribosomes produced by the zygote nucleus.