Male gametes and fertilization in angiosperms

Abstract

Double fertilization appears to have evolved as a product of change directly related to an accelerated rate and timing of reproduction. In this review, the focus is on the angiosperm male gametophyte, where changes include a reduction in the number of mitoses, establishment of the male germ unit and involvement of both members of the pair of sperm cells in reproduction. The organization of the generative cell during mitosis indicates that there may be basic similarities between this process in plant and animal cells. The microtubular organization of generative cells alters after isoiation. However, mitosis in Allamanda, proceeds as usual during in vitro culture. The presence of actin microfi..