Confocal Microscopy Study of Arabidopsis Embryogenesis Using GFP:mTn

Abstract

Embryogenesis in transgenic Arabidopsis plants with GFP:mTn, a chimeric fusion of soluble shifted green fluorescent protein and a mouse actin binding domain, was studied. Confocal laser scanning microscopy was used to determine patterns of formation and cellular responses during asymmetric cell division. Before such cells divide, the nucleus moves to the position where new cell walls are to be formed. The apical–basal axis of the embryo develops mainly at the zygote to octant stage, and these events are associated with asymmetric divisions of the zygote and hypophyseal cells. Formation of the radial axis is established from the dermatogen to the globular-stage embryo via tangential cell division within the upper tiers. Bilateral symmetry of the embryo primarily happens at the triangular stage through zig-zag cell divisions of initials of the cotyledonary primordia. All stages of embryogenesis are described in detail here.