Development of Female Gametophyte of Six Species of Corydalis (Fumariaceae)

Abstract

The development of the female gametophyte of Corydalis albipetala, C. ambigua, C. filistipes, C. nobilis, C. solida, C. ophiocarpa have been comparatively investigated using laser scanning confocal microscope (LSCM) and light microscope. An archesporium was originated from one of the outmost parietal cells beneath the one-layered epidermis of protuberant nucellus, and acted directly as a megaspore mother cell (MMC). These species had linear tetrads after successional meiotic division during the megasprogenesis. A functional megasprore developed from one of the tetrad in the chalazal end, and the rest three being degenerated. The developmental type of the female gametophyte was monosporic in accordance with the Polygonum type. Prior to anthesis the female gametophyte was organized. So mature embryo sac was comprised a three-celled egg apparatus, three large antipodals were developed from the apex of each antipodal cell, and extended toward micropylar end to be contacted with egg apparatus. Two synergids were usually observed as degenerated condition, and in this time the apices of antipodal haustoria were connected with the degenerated synergids. The developmental characteristics of seven-nucleate female gametophytes were common in all the species investigated. But the shape of mature embryo sac was ovoidal in C. albipetala, C. filistipes, C. ophiocarpa and C. solida, reflexed in C. ambigua, and rather flattened ovoidal in C. nobilis. Also, the type of megasporangium was anatropous in all the species except C. ambigua with campylotropous ovule.