Abstract Detail

Seed plant gametophytes: Still the forgotten generation?!?

Singh, Mohan B [1], Okada, Takashi [1], Haerizadeh, Farzad [1], Bhalla, Prem [1].

Generative Cell Transcriptome And Regulatory Mechanisms Controlling Male Gametic Cell Specific Gene Expression.

Sexual reproduction characterized by fusion of sperm and an egg to create a zygote ensures transmission of genetic information from one generation to the next and thus is fundamental to the maintenance of life. Despite their importance in determining the outcomes of fertilization, the molecular mechanisms responsible for the function of male gametes are essentially unknown in flowering plants. Identification of gamete-specific determinants and the genes encoding these proteins is prerequisite for advancing our knowledge of the molecular basis of fertilization in flowering plants. Therefore, we studied male gametic cell (generative and sperm cell) function by examining genes that are expressed in these cells using microarrays and obtained a picture of gene expression profile of generative cell. A large number of the genes from cDNA libraries prepared from male gametic cells were found to be generative cell specific when analysed via microarray hybridisation. Many of these unique genes are likely to be involved in encoding male gamete specific genes involved in fertilization specific mechanisms. Previously, we have provided the first evidence of generative cell specific genes in flowering plants (PNAS, 1999, 96, 2554-2558). We have now isolated regulatory elements controlling generative/sperm cell specific genes. Study of the controlling elements of generative specific genes should provide novel insights into flowering plant male gamete specific gene expression, hence can be used as a novel tool in molecular analyses and experimental manipulation of flowering plant gametogenesis and fertilization.

1 - University of Melbourne, ARC Centre of Excellence for Integrative Legume Research, School of Agriculture and Food Systems, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia

Keywords:
gametophyte
generative cell
gene screening
genomics
transcription
pollen
Lilium.

Presentation Type: Symposium
Session: 6-2
Location: Ballroom 1 (Cliff Lodge)
Date: Monday, August 2nd, 2004
Time: 8:30 AM
Abstract ID:409