The development of embryo and endosperm inRanalisma rostratum

Abstract

The embryo and endosperm development inRanalisma rostratum was studied in this paper. The zygote divides by a transverse wall to form basal and apical cells. The larger basal cell undergoes no further division and becomes the basal suspensor cell. The embryo development conforms to the Caryophyllad type. In the mature seed, the embryo is U-shaped and forms the embryonic shoot apex accompanied by one intraseminal leaf. The endosperm development belongs to the Hebolial type. The primary endosperm nucleus (invariably lying in the chalazal part of the embryo sac) divides and forms a large micropylar chamber and a small chalazal chamber. The chalazal endosperm chamber remains uninucleate, and free nuclear divisions occur in the micropylar chamber. Cellularization of the endosperm begins simultaneously from the micropylar and the chalazal ends. The cellularization is related to phragmoplast and cell plate, and does not arise from the free growth wall. Accompanying the embryo development, the endosperm degrades and does not exist in the mature seed. In the proembryo developing stages, the basal suspensor cell and chalazal endosperm cell grow to a considerable size. The nucleus and cytoplasm stain densely. Sometimes, binucleate or trinucleate was observed in both of the two cells. In the laterally concave embryo stage, they begin to degenerate which coincides with the cellularization of the endosperm. They are presumed to participate in the nourishment of the embryo proper in the early stages of embryo development.