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Ultrastructural studies on the embryo sac ofViscum minimum I. Megasporogenesis

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Summary

Changes taking place during megasporogenesis of a mistletoe (Viscum minimum) were examined at both light and electron microscopy levels. No distinct ovules, integuments, or ovarian cavity are present at any stage of development. The multicellular archesporium originates in the center of a solid ovary. Several functional megasporocytes are developed from the archesporial cells, either adjacent to each other or separated by unspecialized cells. The megasporocyte is much larger than surrounding cells, is invested by a thick wall, and possesses a large nucleus and amyloplasts. Although plasmodesmata are absent even between the adjacent megasporocytes, cells enter meiosis simultaneously. Following meiosis a linear tetrad is formed. Double and treble linear tetrads are frequently observed. The development of the embryo sac conforms to the monosporic or Polygonum type of megasporogenesis. However, the bisporic or Allium type of development is occasionally observed in preparations. Factors determining the pattern of development are discussed. As in other plant species which follow the monosporic type of development, only one functional megaspore cell undergoes further development while others degenerate. Unlike the healthy functional megaspore cell, the degenerating cells have large starch grains and electron-dense cytoplasm. At a later stage of development, the degraded cells are absorbed by the surrounding tissue.

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  1. Department of Biology, University of Victoria, V8W 2Y2, Victoria, B.C., Canada

    M. Zaki & J. Kuijt

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  1. M. Zaki
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  2. J. Kuijt
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Zaki, M., Kuijt, J. Ultrastructural studies on the embryo sac ofViscum minimum I. Megasporogenesis. Protoplasma 185, 93–105 (1995). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01272757

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01272757

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