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The effect of exogenous Ca2+ ions on pollen grain germination and pollen tube growth

Investigations with 45Ca2+ together with Verapamil, La3+, and ruthenium red

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Summary

The involvement of exogenous calcium ions in the regulation of pollen tube formation has been investigated in Haemanthus albiflos L. and Oenothera biennis L. by following the changes that occur in pollen germination, tube growth, and 45+Ca2+ uptake and distribution upon application of Verapamil (an inhibitor of calcium channels), lanthanum (a Ca2+ substitute), and ruthenium red (believed to raise the intracellular calcium level). It was found that exogenous Ca2+ takes part in the formation of the calcium gradient present in germinating pollen grains and growing pollen tubes. Ca2+ ions enter the cells through calcium channels. Raising or reducing 45Ca2+ uptake causes disturbances in the germination of the pollen grains and in the growth of the pollen tubes.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Copernicus University, Institute of Biology, Department of Plant Cytology and Genetics, 87-100, Toruń, Poland

    E. Bednarska

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  1. E. Bednarska
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Bednarska, E. The effect of exogenous Ca2+ ions on pollen grain germination and pollen tube growth. Sexual Plant Reprod 2, 53–58 (1989). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00190119

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00190119

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