Studies of the living embryo sacs of Torenia fournieri reveal that the actin cytoskeleton undergoes dramatic changes that correlate with nuclear migration within the central cell and the primary endosperm. Before poll...Studies of the living embryo sacs of Torenia fournieri reveal that the actin cytoskeleton undergoes dramatic changes that correlate with nuclear migration within the central cell and the primary endosperm. Before pollination, actin filaments appear as short bundles randomly distributed in the cortex of the central cell. Two days after anthesis, they become organized into a distinct actin network. At this stage the secondary nucleus, which is located in the central region of the central cell, possesses an associated array of short actin filaments. Soon after pollination, the actin filaments become fragmented in the micropylar end and the secondary nucleus is located next to the egg apparatus. After fertilization, the primary endosperm nucleus moves away from the egg cell and actin filaments reorganize into a prominent network in the cytoplasm of the primary endosperm. Disruption of the actin cytoskeleton with latrunculin A and cytochalasin B indicates that actin is involved in the migration of the nucleus in the central cell. Our data also suggest that the dynamics of actin cytoskeleton may be responsible for the reorganization of the central cell and primary endosperm cytoplasm during fertilization.展开更多
Attention is given to the role of Ca^2＋ at the interface between the cell wall and the cytoplast, especially as seen in pollen tubes. While the cytoplasm directs the synthesis and deposition of the wall, it is less w...Attention is given to the role of Ca^2＋ at the interface between the cell wall and the cytoplast, especially as seen in pollen tubes. While the cytoplasm directs the synthesis and deposition of the wall, it is less well appreciated that the wall exerts considerable self control and influences activities of the cytoplasm. Ca^2＋ participates as a crucial factor in this two way communication. In the cytoplasm, a [Ca^2＋] above 0.1 μM, regulates myriad processes, including secretion of cell wall components. In the cell wall Ca^2＋ , at 10μM to 10 mM, binds negative charges on pectins and imparts structural rigidity to the wall. The plasma membrane occupies a pivotal position between these two compartments, where selective channels regulate influx of Ca^2＋ , and specific carriers pump the ion back into the wall. In addition we draw attention to different factors, which either respond to the wall or are present in the wall, and usually generate elevated[Ca^2＋ ] in the cytoplasm. These factors include： （i） stretch activated channels; （ii） calmodulin; （iii） annexins; （iv） wall associated kinases; （v） oligogalacturonides; and （vi） extracellular adenosine 5＇-triphosphate. Together they provide evidence for a rich and multifaceted system of communication between the cytoplast and cell wall, with Ca^2＋ as a carrier of information.展开更多
Pollen tubes usually exhibit a prominent region at their apex called the ＂clear zone＂ because it lacks light refracting amyloplasts. A robust, long clear zone often associates with fast growing pollen tubes, and thu...Pollen tubes usually exhibit a prominent region at their apex called the ＂clear zone＂ because it lacks light refracting amyloplasts. A robust, long clear zone often associates with fast growing pollen tubes, and thus serves as an indicator of pollen tube health. Nevertheless we do not understand how it arises or how it is maintained. Here we review the structure of the clear zone, and attempt to explain the factors that contribute to its formation. While amyloplasts and vacuolar elements are excluded from the clear zone, virtually all other organelles are present including secretory vesicles, mitochondria, Golgi dictyosomes, and the endoplas-mic reticulum （ER）. Secretory vesicles aggregate into an inverted cone appressed against the apical plasma membrane. ER elements move nearly to the extreme apex, whereas mitochondria and Golgi dictyosomes move less far forward. The cortical actin fringe assumes a central position in the control of clear zone formation and maintenance, given its role in generating cytoplasmic streaming. Other likely factors include the tip-focused calcium gradient, the apical pH gradient, the influx of water, and a host of signaling factors （small G-proteins）. We think that the clear zone is an emergent property that depends on the interaction of several factors crucial for polarized growth.展开更多
基金This research was supported by a RGC grant from the Research Grants Council of Hong Kong anda CRCG grant from University of Hong Kong to B. Q. H, a CRCG grant to S. Y. Z, NSF grant No. MCB-9601087 to P. K. H., and the National Key Basic Research Projec
文摘Studies of the living embryo sacs of Torenia fournieri reveal that the actin cytoskeleton undergoes dramatic changes that correlate with nuclear migration within the central cell and the primary endosperm. Before pollination, actin filaments appear as short bundles randomly distributed in the cortex of the central cell. Two days after anthesis, they become organized into a distinct actin network. At this stage the secondary nucleus, which is located in the central region of the central cell, possesses an associated array of short actin filaments. Soon after pollination, the actin filaments become fragmented in the micropylar end and the secondary nucleus is located next to the egg apparatus. After fertilization, the primary endosperm nucleus moves away from the egg cell and actin filaments reorganize into a prominent network in the cytoplasm of the primary endosperm. Disruption of the actin cytoskeleton with latrunculin A and cytochalasin B indicates that actin is involved in the migration of the nucleus in the central cell. Our data also suggest that the dynamics of actin cytoskeleton may be responsible for the reorganization of the central cell and primary endosperm cytoplasm during fertilization.
基金supported by a grant from the USA National Science Foundation (MCB-0846876)
文摘Attention is given to the role of Ca^2＋ at the interface between the cell wall and the cytoplast, especially as seen in pollen tubes. While the cytoplasm directs the synthesis and deposition of the wall, it is less well appreciated that the wall exerts considerable self control and influences activities of the cytoplasm. Ca^2＋ participates as a crucial factor in this two way communication. In the cytoplasm, a [Ca^2＋] above 0.1 μM, regulates myriad processes, including secretion of cell wall components. In the cell wall Ca^2＋ , at 10μM to 10 mM, binds negative charges on pectins and imparts structural rigidity to the wall. The plasma membrane occupies a pivotal position between these two compartments, where selective channels regulate influx of Ca^2＋ , and specific carriers pump the ion back into the wall. In addition we draw attention to different factors, which either respond to the wall or are present in the wall, and usually generate elevated[Ca^2＋ ] in the cytoplasm. These factors include： （i） stretch activated channels; （ii） calmodulin; （iii） annexins; （iv） wall associated kinases; （v） oligogalacturonides; and （vi） extracellular adenosine 5＇-triphosphate. Together they provide evidence for a rich and multifaceted system of communication between the cytoplast and cell wall, with Ca^2＋ as a carrier of information.
基金supported by a grant from the USA National Science Foundation (MCB-0847876)
文摘Pollen tubes usually exhibit a prominent region at their apex called the ＂clear zone＂ because it lacks light refracting amyloplasts. A robust, long clear zone often associates with fast growing pollen tubes, and thus serves as an indicator of pollen tube health. Nevertheless we do not understand how it arises or how it is maintained. Here we review the structure of the clear zone, and attempt to explain the factors that contribute to its formation. While amyloplasts and vacuolar elements are excluded from the clear zone, virtually all other organelles are present including secretory vesicles, mitochondria, Golgi dictyosomes, and the endoplas-mic reticulum （ER）. Secretory vesicles aggregate into an inverted cone appressed against the apical plasma membrane. ER elements move nearly to the extreme apex, whereas mitochondria and Golgi dictyosomes move less far forward. The cortical actin fringe assumes a central position in the control of clear zone formation and maintenance, given its role in generating cytoplasmic streaming. Other likely factors include the tip-focused calcium gradient, the apical pH gradient, the influx of water, and a host of signaling factors （small G-proteins）. We think that the clear zone is an emergent property that depends on the interaction of several factors crucial for polarized growth.
