Abstract: Three methods were established to isolate fertilized embryo sacs in Nicotiana tabacum, i. e. enzymatic maceration combined either with shaking, microdissection or grinding respectively. Living fertilized embryo sacs of various developmental stages after fertilization could be isolated successfully by these methods. Each method had its own adoptation to the materials of different developmental stages. Among them the method of enzymatic maceration combined with grinding was the best:Ovules were first treated in enzymatic mixture (1% cellulase R-10, 0.5% macerozyme R-10, 12% mannitol, pH 5.7) for about 30 min. Then droplets of the ovule suspension were gentlely grinded by a flat-headed glass rod. After grinding several droplets of mannitol solution (8%～ 10%) were added for releasing and washing embryo sacs. Compared with the other two methods this method was more convenent and had higher isolation efficiency. Isolation of fertilized embryo sacs offered a good means for microscopic observation on the postfertilization development including synergid degeneration, endosperm formation and zygotic changes without interference by the surrounding sporophytic tissue. Living zygotes and endosperm cells could be further isolated by a second enzymatic maceration procedure followed by brief micromanipulation. Several characters had been found to distinguish the protoplas'ts of free zygotes from those of other cell sources. Isolated zygotes were cultured in microchambers (Millicell-CM) feeded with macrocultured mesophyll protoplasts. The first division of zygotes was induced, resulting in proembryos consisting of two cells.

Key words: Fertilized embryo sacs, Zygote, Isolation, Microculture, Nicotiana tabacum