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NSF 2010: Identification and functional analysis of genes required for gametophyte development
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![]() Whole-mount preparation showing an unfertilized mature embryo sac. |
NSF. Developmental mechanisms
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![]() Aniline-blue staining showing pollen tubes Reaching wt but not mutant ovules (mt). |
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The
alternation of a gametophytic haploid generation with a sporophytic
diploid generation is a fundamental aspect of plant reproduction. In
flowering plants, the male gametophytes (the pollen grains)
develop within the anthers, and the female gametophytes (the
embryo sacs) develop within the ovule. Fertilization of the egg
cell within the embryo sac by one of the sperm cells delivered by the
pollen tube results in the diploid zygote, which initiates the next
sporophytic generation. Although development and function of the
gametophytes are critical for plant reproduction, relatively little is
known about the genes required for, and the pathways involved
in gametophytic development in flowering plants. In this project,
we propose to identify and determine functions of gametophytic genes in
Arabidopsis . A mutant screen for gametophytic mutations using Ds insertion lines has
been performed, resulting in the identification of ~ 300 gametophytic
mutants. The genes disrupted by these insertions are being identified
and the sequences will be posted on this website. The identification of
genes expressed in the female gametophyte will also be carried out by the
hybridization of an Arabidopsis "whole genome" oligoarray
using RNA from wild type and from mutant ovules without embryo sacs. As
a result, characterization of gene function is carried out through
integrated genetic, cellular and developmental studies of the female
and male gametophytes in the mutants. The characterized mutants
will be made publicly available through deposition in the ABRC stock
center. |
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