J Integr Plant Biol. ›› 1991, Vol. 33 ›› Issue (11): -.

• Research Articles •    

Ultrastructural Observations on Parthenogenesis and Antipodal Apogamy of Allium tuberosum Roxb

Tian Hui-qiao and Yang Hong-yuan   

Abstract: Alliurn tuberosum Roxb is a species characterized by spontaneous parthenogenesis and antipodal apogamy. This paper deals with the ultrastructural changes during these processes. Before pollination, the mature egg cell contained abundant mitochondria with well developed cristae, spherical or ellipsoidal plastids and some polyribosomes, which suggested a relatively high metabolic activity. After fertilization, in zygotes the mitochondria changed to irregular shape and their cristae degenerated, the plastids elongated or became cup-shaped, the polyribosomes decreased and the free ribosomes increased in number. Some unfertilized egg ceils, two days after anthesis, showed similar ultrastructural changes as those taking place in zygote, which. seemed to be a sign of triggering to parthenogensis. In Allium tuberosum Roxb, the three antipodai cells bore a close resemblance to the egg apparatus: Among them two antipodal cells were similar to the synergids with a filiform apparatus-like structure and plentiful organelles at their chalazal end. The other was an egg-like antipodal cell which could undergo similar ultrastructural changes as those happened in zygote, leading to divide into apogamic proembryos two days after anthesis. The problems of parthenogenesis and antipodal apogamy in Allium tuberosum Roxb is diicussed in view of ultrastructural features of the egg and egg-like antipodal cell.

Key words: Allium tuberosum Roxb, Parthenogenesis, Apogamy, Antipodal cell, Ultrastructure

Editorial Office, Journal of Integrative Plant Biology, Institute of Botany, CAS
No. 20 Nanxincun, Xiangshan, Beijing 100093, China
Tel: +86 10 6283 6133 Fax: +86 10 8259 2636 E-mail: jipb@ibcas.ac.cn
Copyright © 2022 by the Institute of Botany, the Chinese Academy of Sciences
Online ISSN: 1744-7909 Print ISSN: 1672-9072 CN: 11-5067/Q
备案号:京ICP备16067583号-22