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The organization of the cytoskeleton in the generative cell and sperms ofHyacinthus orientalis

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Summary

The microtubular cytoskeleton of the generative cell (GC) ofHyacinthus orientalis has been studied until the formation of the sperm cells (SCs). Immunofluorescence procedures in combination with confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) has enabled the visualization of the organization of the microtubular cytoskeleton. Chemical fixation and freeze-fixation electron microscopy have been used to investigate the cytoskeleton and the ultrastructural organization of the GC and SCs. During pollen activation the GC is spindle-shaped. Microtubules (MTs) are organized as bundles and distributed in proximity of the GC plasmamembrane, forming a basket-like structure. Following migration through the pollen tube, the basket-like structure becomes more intertwined. During the nuclear division the MTs are involved in the segregation of the chromosomes and kinetochores are clearly discernible. Association with organelles is also observed. The chromosomes of the GC remain condensed until they separate in two sperm nuclei. The pre-prophase band was never observed. At the end of the GC division the microtubular network reorganizes in the two SCs.

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Abbreviations

CLSM:

confocal laser scanning microscopy

DAPI:

4′6-diamidino-2-phenyl-indole

F-S:

freeze-substitution

GC:

generative cell

MT:

microtubule

PBS:

phosphate buffered saline

R-F:

rapid freeze-fixation

SC:

sperm cell

TBS:

tris buffered saline

VN:

vegetative nucleus

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Sez. Botanica, Dipartimento di Biologia Ambientale, Universitá di Siena, Via P. A. Mattioli, 4, I-53100, Siena, Italy

    Cecilia Del Casino, A. Tiezzi, V. T. Wagner & M. Cresti

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  1. Cecilia Del Casino
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  2. A. Tiezzi
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  3. V. T. Wagner
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  4. M. Cresti
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Del Casino, C., Tiezzi, A., Wagner, V.T. et al. The organization of the cytoskeleton in the generative cell and sperms ofHyacinthus orientalis . Protoplasma 168, 41–50 (1992). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01332649

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01332649

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