Mauro Cresti

Ultrastructure of the cytoskeleton in freeze-substituted pollen tubes ofNicotiana alata

SummaryThe ultrastructure of the cytoskeleton inNicotiana alata pollen tubes grownin vitro has been examined after rapid freeze fixation and freeze substitution (RF-FS). Whereas cytoplasmic microtubules (MTs) and especially microfilaments (MFs) are infrequently observed after conventional chemical fixation, they occur in all samples prepared by RF-FS. Cortical MTs are oriented parallel to the long axis of the pollen tube and usually appear evenly spaced around the circumference of the cell. They are always observed with other components in a structural complex that includes the following: 1. a system of MFs, in which individual elements are aligned along the sides of the MTs and crossbridged to them; 2. a system of cooriented tubular endoplasmic reticulum (ER) lying beneath the MTs, and 3. the plasma membrane (PM) to which the MTs appear to be extensively linked. The cortical cytoskeleton is thus structurally complex, and contains elements such as MFs and ER that must be considered together with the MTs in any attempt to elucidate cytoskeletal function. MTs are also observed within the vegetative cytoplasm either singly or in small groups. Observations reveal that some of these may be closely associated with the envelope of the vegetative nucleus. MTs of the generative cell, in contrast to those of the vegetative cytoplasm, occur tightly clustered in bundles and show extensive cross-bridging. These bundles, especially in the distal tail of the generative cell, are markedly undulated. MFs are observed commonly in the cytoplasm of the vegetative cell. They occur in bundles oriented predominantly parallel to the pollen tube axis. Although proof is not provided, we suggest that they are composed of actin and are responsible for generating the vigorous cytoplasmic streaming characteristic of living pollen tubes.

Cytoskeleton and Cytoplasmic Organization of Pollen and Pollen Tubes

Publisher Summary The pollen grain and the pollen tube fulfill important functions in the sexual reproduction of higher plants. The pollen grain is concerned with conveying the two sperm cells or their progenitor, the generative cell, to the female gametophyte. The pollen tube serves as a guide and a pathway for the sperm cells on their course to the embryo sac so that they can complete double fertilization. This chapter focuses on the cytoskeleton of the vegetative cytoplasm of pollen grains and pollen tubes. The cytoskeleton is involved in numerous intracellular processes, such as organelle movement, organization of the cytoplasm, endocytosis and exocytosis, cytomorphogenesis, meiotic and mitotic division, and cell wall deposition. The distribution of calcium in pollen tubes is discussed in relationship to pollen tube growth, intracellular movement, and the activity of the cytoskeleton. The movements of the organelles and nuclei inside the pollen grain and the pollen tube are also described.

Sexual Reproduction in Higher Plants

OF POSTER PRESENTATIONS 459 AUTHOR INDEX ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 493 SUBJECT INDEX •••••••••••••••••••••••••••.••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 497 Gene-Expression and Transcription DifTerential Gene-Expression During Microsporogenesis with Nicotiana tabacum J.A.M. Schrauwen, M.W.M. Derks, P.F.M. de Groot, M.M.A. van Herpen & G.J. Wullems Department of Experimental Botany Research Group Molecular Plant Physiology University of Nijmegen Toernooiveld NL-6525 ED Nijmegen The Netherlands INTRODUCTION W.H. Reijnen, 3 The changes in gene-expression during the development of the plant result in the formation of new transcription and translation products and in formation of other cell types. Pollen, which plays a key roll in the fertilization process, is a typical product of differential geneexpression occuring in a mature plant. The formation of pollen from vegetative tissue is concomitant with a series of processes by which type specific gene products, like mRNAs, are formed. These transcription products can be distinguished by specificity and function in relation to moment of activity and

Distribution of unesterified and esterified pectins in cell walls of pollen tubes of flowering plants

Immunocytochemical localization of polygalacturonic acid (pectin) and methyl-esterified pectin in the walls of pollen tubes of 20 species of flowering plants grown in vitro was investigated by using monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) JIM5 and JIM7 and by means of confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). In general, periodic annular deposits of pectins were found coating the tube wall in species possessing solid styles, and a more uniform pectin sheath in tube walls in species having hollow styles or no styles. We hypothesize that the periodic ring-like structure of the pectin sheath reinforces pollen tubes for passing through the transmitting tract in the style. Esterified pectin which prevents Ca2+-induced gelification of pectate is located predominantly at the apex. This implies that pectin esterification is related to tip wall “loosening” that is required for cell wall expansion during tip growth of pollen tubes. The occurrence of unesterified pectins in other areas of pollen tube walls suggests that de-esterification of pectin following tip expansion leads to a more rigid form of pectin that contributes to the construction of the pollen tube wall.

Germination and early tube development in vitro of Lycopersicum peruvianum pollen: Ultrastructural features

Morphologic changes occurring during pollen grain activation and ultrastructural features of Lycopersicum peruvianum Mill. pollen tube during the first stages of growth in vitro have been studied. The more evident morphologic changes during activation, in comparison to those already described for mature inactive pollen, concern dictyosomes, rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER), and ribosomes. The dictyosomes are very abundant and produce “large” and “small” vesicles. Near the germinative pores both types of vesicles are present, while all along the remaining cell wall only the large type is observed. These latter react weakly to Thiérys test and probably contain a callose precursor necessary for the deposition of a callosic layer lining at first only the inner side of the functioning pore and occasionally the other two pores, and subsequently the entire inner surface of the cell wall. The small vesicles, highly positive to Thiérys test, are present only near the pores and could be involved in the formation of the pectocellulosic layer of the tube wall. The setting free of RER cisterns, which in the mature inactive pollen were aggregated in stacks, coinciding with polysome formation and resumption of protein synthesis, is in accord with the hypothesized role of RER cistern stacks as a reserve of synthesizing machinery. The pollen tube reaches a definitive spatial arrangement soon after the generative cell and vegetative nucleus have moved into it. At this stage four different zones that reflect a functional specialization are present. In the apical and subapical zone two types of dictysosome-originated vesicles, similar to those found in the activated pollen grain, are present. Their role in the formation of the callosic and pectocellulosic wall layers seems to be the same as in the activated pollen grain.

Immunogold localization of arabinogalactan proteins, unesterified and esterified pectins in pollen grains and pollen tubes ofNicotiana tabacum L.

SummaryThe monoclonal antibodies JIM 5 (against unesterified pectin), JIM 7 (against methyl esterified pectin), MAC 207 (against arabinogalactan proteins, AGPs), and JIM 8 (against a subset of AGPs) were utilized singly or in combinations for immunogold labelling of germinated pollen grains and pollen tubes ofNicotiana tabacum. Pectins were localized in the inline of pollen grain, unesterified pectin being more abundant than the esterified one. AGPs were co-localized with pectin in the inline, but were present preferably close to the plasma membrane. In pollen tubes, AGPs, unesterified and esterified pectins were co-localized in the outer and middle layers of the cell wall. The density of the epitopes was not uniform along the length of the pollen tube, but showed alterations. In the pollen tube tip wall esterified pectin was abundantly present, but not AGPs. In the cytoplasm esterified pectin and AGPs were detected in Golgi derived vesicles, indicating their role in the pathway of the cell wall precursors. In the “cell wall” of generative cell only AGPs, but no pectins were localized. The co-localization of pectins and AGPs in the cell wall of pollen grain and pollen tube might play an important role, not only in maintenance of the cell shape, but also in cell-cell interaction during pollen tube growth and development.

Distinct endocytic pathways identified in tobacco pollen tubes using charged nanogold.

In an attempt to dissect endocytosis in Nicotiana tabacum L. pollen tubes, two different probes – positively or negatively charged nanogold – were employed. The destiny of internalized plasma membrane domains, carrying negatively or positively charged residues, was followed at the ultrastructural level and revealed distinct endocytic pathways. Time-course experiments and electron microscopy showed internalization of subapical plasma-membrane domains that were mainly recycled to the secretory pathway through the Golgi apparatus and a second mainly degradative pathway involving plasma membrane retrieval at the tip. In vivo time-lapse experiments using FM4-64 combined with quantitative analysis confirmed the existence of distinct internalization regions. Ikarugamycin, an inhibitor of clathrin-dependent endocytosis, allowed us to further dissect the endocytic process: electron microscopy and time-lapse studies suggested that clathrin-dependent endocytosis occurs in the tip and subapical regions, because recycling of positively charged nanogold to the Golgi bodies and the consignment of negatively charged nanogold to vacuoles were affected. However, intact positively charged-nanogold transport to vacuoles supports the idea that an endocytic pathway that does not require clathrin is also present in pollen tubes.

Cytoskeletal organization and pollen tube growth

The growth of pollen tubes is characterized by intense secretory activity in the tip region. This process of vesicle-mediated secretion and tip growth is strongly influenced by calcium gradients. The cytoskeletal apparatus is also critically involved, as it is required for the translocation of organelles along the tube (a prerequisite for tube extension) and for the transport of the generative/sperm cells. The microtubules and actin filaments probably have distinct functions that relate to different, but related, cytological events within the pollen tubes. Both systems, as well as cytoskeleton-based motor proteins, are necessary for the proper development and growth of the pollen tubes. Different approaches have allowed the roles of several cytoskeletal components to be deciphered, and it is now possible to speculate how they might interact.

Isolation of male and female gametes in higher plants.

SummaryThe availability of generative cells, sperm cells, embryo sacs and egg cells from angiosperm plants in isolated conditions has opened up many prospects: study of the mechanism of recognition and fusion between gametes of opposite sex and detailed observation of the process of fertilization, biochemical and genetic analysis of gamete-specific components and genetic engineering in combination with in vitro fertilization. This review provides a list of about ninety publications, in which the isolation of male or female angiosperm gametes and the closely related generative cells and embryo sacs is reported. The species used are summarized in two tables. A description is given of the diverse isolation techniques, which consist of enzymatic digestion, bursting of pollen by osmotic shock, squashing, grinding and micro-dissection. Viability of isolated cells and yield, two important aspects of biotechnological manipulation, are emphasized. A critical evaluation of the most significant results obtained so far with isolated material is presented together with notes on prospects for the future.

Distribution of Callose Synthase, Cellulose Synthase, and Sucrose Synthase in Tobacco Pollen Tube Is Controlled in Dissimilar Ways by Actin Filaments and Microtubules

Callose and cellulose are fundamental components of the cell wall of pollen tubes and are probably synthesized by distinct enzymes, callose synthase and cellulose synthase, respectively. We examined the distribution of callose synthase and cellulose synthase in tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) pollen tubes in relation to the dynamics of actin filaments, microtubules, and the endomembrane system using specific antibodies to highly conserved peptide sequences. The role of the cytoskeleton and membrane flow was investigated using specific inhibitors (latrunculin B, 2,3-butanedione monoxime, taxol, oryzalin, and brefeldin A). Both enzymes are associated with the plasma membrane, but cellulose synthase is present along the entire length of pollen tubes (with a higher concentration at the apex) while callose synthase is located in the apex and in distal regions. In longer pollen tubes, callose synthase accumulates consistently around callose plugs, indicating its involvement in plug synthesis. Actin filaments and endomembrane dynamics are critical for the distribution of callose synthase and cellulose synthase, showing that enzymes are transported through Golgi bodies and/or vesicles moving along actin filaments. Conversely, microtubules appear to be critical in the positioning of callose synthase in distal regions and around callose plugs. In contrast, cellulose synthases are only partially coaligned with cortical microtubules and unrelated to callose plugs. Callose synthase also comigrates with tubulin by Blue Native-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Membrane sucrose synthase, which expectedly provides UDP-glucose to callose synthase and cellulose synthase, binds to actin filaments depending on sucrose concentration; its distribution is dependent on the actin cytoskeleton and the endomembrane system but not on microtubules.