In vitro fertilization with isolated higher plant gametes.
Methods have been developed to isolate gametes of higher plants and to fertilize them in vitro. Zygotes, embryos, fertile plants and endosperm can now be obtained from in vitro fusion of pairs of sperm and egg cells and of pairs of sperm and central cells, respectively. This allows examination of the earliest developmental processes precisely timed after fertilization. The isolated egg and central cell, fertilized and cultured in vitro, are able to self-organize apart from each other and without mother tissue in the typically manner. Thus, this system is a powerful and unique model for studies of early zygotic embryogenesis and endosperm development. The underlying processes are now comparatively studied in detail by investigations of expression of genes and their corresponding proteins. The use of these techniques opens new avenues in fundamental and applied research in the areas of developmental and reproductive plant biology.
Kranz
Erhard
E
Biozentrum Klein Flottbek und Botanischer Garten, Entwicklungsbiologie und Biotechnologie, Ohnhorststr. 18, Universität Hamburg, 22609 Hamburg, Germany.
Hoshino
Yoichiro
Y
Okamoto
Takashi
T
D005307:Fertilization in Vitro / Q000379:methods; D018506:Gene Expression Regulation, Plant; D017343:Genes, Plant; D018521:Plant Physiological Phenomena; D010940:Plant Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction / Q000379:methods; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000235:genetics; D012639:Seeds / Q000502:physiology; D003313:Zea mays / Q000196:embryology / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*
D010940:Plant Proteins; D012333:RNA, Messenger