The effects of methionine and cobalt ions on sex expression and development of Anemia phyllitidis gametophytes

Abstract

One of the prime precursor for ethylene synthesis — L-methionine and the inhibitor of 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid oxidase (ACO) — Co2+-were tested for their effects on sex expression and development of Anemia phyllitidis fern gametophytes. Five concentrations of both chemicals (0, 10, 25, 50, 100 µM) were analysed with reference to antheridia and archegonia formation, number and size of cells as well as thalli length using the three-zone model of gametophyte structure. Both substances, however at different concentrations, enhanced the number of GA3-induced antheridia and similarly stimulated the cell number and inhibited thalli length. Both of them at 100 µM concentrations without GA3 induced meristematic area formation while methionine also induced archegonia in the apical parts of gametophytes. These findings correspond with the previous observations concerning the important role of ethylene synthesis precursor (ACC) in controlling gibberellic acid-induced male sex expression in ferns and broaden the knowledge about the mechanisms of fern gametophyte development.