Spatial and Temporal Distribution of Zeatin and Zeatin Riboside during the Period of the Egg-Cell Activity in the Ovaries of Amphimictic and Apomictic Plants

Spatial and temporal distribution of zeatin and zeatin riboside was studied in the ovaries of amphimictic (Triticum aestivum L.) and apomictic (Taraxacum officinale Web.) species during the period from the quiescence release of the egg cell to its first division. This period was divided into three stages: (1) no signs of division of the central cell, (2) division of the central cell and no signs of division of the egg, and (3) division of the egg. Cytokinin content was determined in ovary and its four sections (basal, medial, apical, and ovule) using an original modification of ELISA. Apomicts and amphimicts were shown to be similar in the pattern of changes in the cytokinin content in basal and medial zones but differed substantially in that of apical section and ovule.