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Cell–cell communication and signalling pathways within the ovule: from its inception to fertilization
Author(s) -
Chevalier Éric,
LoubertHudon Audrey,
Zimmerman Erin L.,
Matton Daniel P.
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
new phytologist
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.742
H-Index - 244
eISSN - 1469-8137
pISSN - 0028-646X
DOI - 10.1111/j.1469-8137.2011.03836.x
Subject(s) - ovule , gametophyte , biology , sporophyte , microbiology and biotechnology , egg cell , embryo , embryogenesis , human fertilization , double fertilization , cell fate determination , botany , genetics , pollen tube , gene , transcription factor , pollination , pollen
Summary Cell–cell communication pervades every aspect of the life of a plant. It is particularly crucial for the development of the gametes and their subtle interaction leading to double fertilization. The ovule is composed of a funiculus, one or two integuments, and a gametophyte surrounded by nucellus tissue. Proper ovule and embryo sac development are critical to reproductive success. To allow fertilization, the correct relative positioning and differentiation of the embryo sac cells are essential. Integument development is also intimately linked with the normal development of the female gametophyte; the sporophyte and gametophyte are not fully independent tissues. Inside the gametophyte, numerous signs of cell–cell communication take place throughout development, including cell fate patterning, fertilization and the early stages of embryogenesis. This review highlights the current evidence of cell–cell communication and signalling elements based on structural and physiological observations as well as the description and characterization of mutants in structurally specific genes. By combining data from different species, models of cell–cell interactions have been built, particularly for the establishment of the germline, for the progression through megagametogenesis and for double fertilization.ContentsSummary 13 I. Introduction 14 II. Signal transduction during ovule and embryo sac development 14 III. Signalling during double fertilization 20 IV. Conclusion 25Acknowledgements 26References 26