The Role of Mitochondria in the Female Gametophyte Development and Fertilization.

MARTIN, M. V.; DISTEFANO A; BELLIDO A; CORDOBA JUAN PABLO; SOTO DEBORA; PAGNUSSAT G; EDUARDO JULIAN ZABALETA

MITOCHONDRION

ELSEVIER SCI LTD

Lugar: Amsterdam; Año: 2014 vol. 19 p. 350 - 356

1567-7249

Plants alternate between two generations during their life cycle: the diploid sporophyte and the haploid male and female gametophytes, in which gametes are generated. In higher plants, the female gametophyte or embryo sac is a highly polarized seven-celled structure that develops within the sporophytic tissues of the ovule. It has been proposed that mitochondria are crucial in many cell signaling pathways controlling mitosis, cell specification, cell death and fertilizationwithin the embryo sac.Here,we summarize recent findings that highlight the importance of this organelle during female gametophyte development and fertilization in plants.