In Vitro Divisions of Unfertilized Central Cells and Other Embryo Sac Cells in Nicotiana tabacum var macrophylla

The embryo sacs and female cells could be isolated from the unfertilized ovules of Nicotiana tabacum L. var. macrophylla which were treated in a solution containing 1.5 % cellulase R- 1O, 1% macerozyme R-10, 10% mannitol, 10 mmol/L CaCI:, pH 5.8 for 3 h followed by given slight pressure with a micropipette. The central cells could be kept viable for 10 h and the egg cells for 3 h in 10% mannital. Sometimes, the in situ fusion products of egg cell and synergid protoplasts could be obtained and kept viable for at least 5 h. The high concentration (20 mg/L) of 2, 4-D was used in enzyme solution to induce the division of the unfertilized central cells and other megagametophytic cells in subsequent culture. Treatment of 2,4-D together with enzymatic maceration of ovules was proved to be better than its direct treatment of isolated embryo sac or its component cells. Isolated embryo sacs were cultured in microchambers (Millicell-CM PICM 012 50 MILLIPORE) feeded with divided mesophyll protoplasts of Nicotiana rustica L. The medium was KMSp medium supple- mented with 1% glucose, 0.1 mol/L mannitol, 0.1 mol/L sorbitol, 0.25 mol/L sucrose, 1 mg/L BA, 6% to 10% coconut water, and 0.15% low gelling agarose. Division of central cells, antipodal cells and the in situ fusion products of egg cell and synergid protoplasts were induced. The unfertilized central cell was for the first time to be induced in vitro to develop into small cell clusters.     

烟草未受精中央细胞及其它胚囊细胞的离体分裂

自70年代中期以来,未传粉子房和胚珠的离体培养已在多种植物中取得成功,得到的单倍体植株来源于胶囊中的卵细胞、助细胞以及反足细胞。而分离的未受精胚囊及其成员细胞的离体培养虽屡经尝试,迄今只有Kranz等诱导了玉米未受精卵细胞分裂形成小愈伤组织,至于中央细胞与其它雌配子体细胞则无离体分裂的报道。本文报道大叶烟草未受精中央细胞首次培养成细胞团及其它胚囊细胞启动离体分裂的实验结果。     

Isolation of Viable Embryo Sacs and Their Protoplasts of Nicotiana tabacum

Isolation of fixed and fresh embryo sacs has been reported. However,the isolation of protoplasts of embryo sac elements is reported here for the first time.The protoplasts of egg cell, synergids, central cell and antipodal cells have been isolated with the retaining of their viability. Though this is a preliminary work, it indicatesthe potentiality of isolation of naked female gametes of angiosperms, which may beused in genetic manipulation and plant biotechnology. Nicotiana tabacum was grown in the greenhouse of the Department of Biology,Peking University. From opened and unpollinated flowers, the ovaries were removedand sterilized with 70% alcohol. The ovules were dissected out from those ovaries andfollowed by incubation (4–8 hrs. 28℃) in anenzyme solution containing 2% driselase, 0.65 M mannitol and 0.25% potassium dextran sulfate. Ovules from 3 4 ovariescould be incubated with 1 ml of enzyme solution in a 3 cm petri dish. All these manipulations and the following procedures were carried out under sterile conditions. Afterincubation, ovules were washed 3 times with a washing solution of 0.65 M mannitol.The isolated embryo, sacs and their protoplasts were obtained by gently squashing digested ovules in a small volume of washing solution on a slide. When the fresh ovules were incubated 3–3.5 hrs in the enzyme solution, the embryosacs may be successfully isolated in an intact manner, either for mature or immatureembryo sacs. The isolated embryo sac looked plump, viable and very distinct in itsstructure. If the isolated embryo sacs were incubated in 0.01% fluorescein diacetate(FDA) used as a test for the viability of the embryo sac, and observed under fluorescein microscope, the cytoplasm of all embryo sac elements, including egg cell, synergids,central cell and antipodal cells, showed strong fluorescence. It is proved that these iso-lated embryo sacs are still viable. When the incubation of ovules was prolonged as to 8 hrs in certain cases, theboundary wall of the embryo sac may be partially digested and the protoplasts of embryo sac elements came out from micropylar or chalazal end after squashing. The difference of the protoplasts derived from different embryo sac elements could be recognized by their relative size and other characteristics. The egg protoplast is smallerthan that of the synergid. However, the protoplasts of antipodal cells were. obviouslysmaller than that of egg. But the central cell protoplast was the largest among theseprotoplasts and possessed two polar nuclei and a very large central vacuole. All theseisolated protoplasts of embryo sac elements were also proved viable with FDA method. The importance of isolated protoplasts of embryo sac elements is discussed withrespect to genetic manipulations.     

Isolation of Fertilized Embryo Sacs and Zygotes and Triggering of Zygote Division in Vitro in Nicotiana tabacum

Three methods were established to isolate fertilized embryo sacs in Nicotiana tabacum, i. e. enzymatic maceration combined either with shaking, microdissection or grinding respectively. Living fertilized embryo sacs of various developmental stages after fertilization could be isolated successfully by these methods. Each method had its own adoptation to the materials of different developmental stages. Among them the method of enzymatic maceration combined with grinding was the best:Ovules were first treated in enzymatic mixture (1% cellulase R-10, 0.5% macerozyme R-10, 12% mannitol, pH 5.7) for about 30 min. Then droplets of the ovule suspension were gentlely grinded by a flat-headed glass rod. After grinding several droplets of mannitol solution (8%～ 10%) were added for releasing and washing embryo sacs. Compared with the other two methods this method was more convenent and had higher isolation efficiency. Isolation of fertilized embryo sacs offered a good means for microscopic observation on the postfertilization development including synergid degeneration, endosperm formation and zygotic changes without interference by the surrounding sporophytic tissue. Living zygotes and endosperm cells could be further isolated by a second enzymatic maceration procedure followed by brief micromanipulation. Several characters had been found to distinguish the protoplas'ts of free zygotes from those of other cell sources. Isolated zygotes were cultured in microchambers (Millicell-CM) feeded with macrocultured mesophyll protoplasts. The first division of zygotes was induced, resulting in proembryos consisting of two cells.     

Isolation and preservation of the living embryo sac ofCrinum asiaticum L. var.japonicum baker

The enzymatic maceration method was used to isolate an intact embryo sac ofCrinum asiaticum and its component cells. Best results were obtained when using enzyme solutions that contained pectinase hemicellulase, cellulase and pectolyase. Aseptic ovules were incubated in the enzyme solution for 1.5 hr at 25 C. This allowed the isolation of embryo sacs to yield up to 20% of the amount present. An isolated embryo sac usually consists of an egg cell, synergids, antipodals and a central cell. Some embryo sacs can be digested as gametophytic protoplast. The size, shape and position of the isolated embryo sac seemingly possessed similarities with those of the fixed embryo sac in the ovary. An isolated embryo sac can be in a living state when the result of the fluorochromatic reaction (FCR) and protoplasmic streaming is positive. When cultured in proper media, 68% of the isolated gametophytic protoplasts were observed to have sustained their positive FCR for more than 1 month.     

蓝猪耳卵细胞和合子的分离

蓝猪耳(Torenia fournieri)胚囊部分裸露出胚珠,在光学显微镜下能清楚观察到卵细胞和助细胞的形态结构.用解剖和酶解-解剖两种方法都能分离出生活卵细胞.用前种方法机械分离出的卵细胞数量较少(5%),但避免了酶对配子识别研究的干扰.在后种方法中加入0.1%纤维素酶和0.1%果胶酶既能使分离更加容易操作,又对卵细胞没有致命伤害,能在短时间内分离出较多的卵细胞(18%).用酶解-解剖方法也可分离出授粉14 h后的合子细胞.     

Enzymatic isolation of living embryo sacs of Petunia

Summary A 20%–25% yield of isolated and living embryo sacs of Petunia hybrida L. was obtained using an enzymatic maceration mixture containing 3% driselase (soluble fraction only), 0.1% MES buffer, pH 5.5, and 8% mannitol. For each maceration ± 450 ovules were incubated in 1 ml enzyme solution for 2 h at 30° C in a shaking waterbath (150 rpm). Subsequently, the enzyme solution was replaced by Brewbaker and Kwack's medium, pH 6.5, supplemented with 10% mannitol (BKM). Gentle agitation of the suspension resulted in the liberation of embryo sacs, which were then collected with a micropipette using a dissecting microscope and transferred to fresh BKM. The embryo sacs isolated are intact and living, and have maintained their original shape and organization When stored in BKM at room temperature the isolated embryo sacs remain alive for 8 h. Storage at 4° C results in a prolongation of viability of up to 80 h. Prolonged incubation of ovules or reincubation of isolated embryo sacs in the maceration mixture results in the liberation of the gametophytic cells as individual, living protoplasts.     

The isolation of viable egg cells of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

The isolation of viable egg cells of wheat has been achieved without enzymatic maceration of the ovules. 2,4-D applied to the stigmas resulted 3 to 7 days later in soft ovule tissues which disintegrated upon mechanical manipulation. The isolated egg cells were viable even 2 h after isolation. Their morphology corresponded to that of the in situ egg cells. The mean isolation frequency was 20% (two egg cells per ten ovules).     

五唇兰合子与原胚的分离

分离合子和原胚可以为植物受精和胚胎发生提供很好的研究材料, 因此具有重要意义。用酶解-振荡法分离出五唇兰(Doritis pulcherrima)受精后胚囊, 然后以显微解剖获得合子和原胚。酶解液组成为0.7%–1.3%纤维素酶、0.6%–1.0%果胶酶和10%甘露醇, pH值为5.8, 酶解时间0.5–3.0小时。在分离的早期原胚和接近成熟的球形胚中, 珠孔端均有较发达的胚柄吸器。实验获得了对五唇兰胚胎发育的新认识, 合子和原胚的成功分离也为进一步的细胞学和分子生物学研究打下基础。     

In vitro fertilization of single,isolated gametes of maize mediated by electrofusion

Summary Electrofusion-mediated in vitro fertilization of maize using single sperm and egg cells was performed. Sperm cells were released from pollen grains after rupture of the latter by osmotic shock in the fusion medium (0.55 M mannitol). Egg cells were isolated by enzyme treatment (pectinase, pectolyase, hemicellulase, and cellulase) followed by mechanical isolation. The conditions generally used for the electrical fusion of protoplasts of somatic cells were also applied to the protoplasts of gametic cells of maize. Electrofusion was performed with single pairs of gametes under microscopic observation. The mean fusion frequency was 79%. Isolated egg cells of maize showed protoplasmic streaming during 22 days of culture, but they did not divide. However, after fusion of the sperm with the egg cells, these fused cells did develop, with a mean division frequency of 83%, and grew to multicellular structures. Egg cells and fusion products were cultivated with a maize feeder-cell system.     

Isolation of protoplasts from female gametophytes of Torenia fournieri

Protoplasts from the cells of mature embryo sacs (ES-protoplasts) of Torenia fournieri were obtained during incubation of ovules in an enzyme solution. Four protoplasts which arose from each embryo sac were connected together after isolation, or aggregates of the egg cell protoplast and two synergide protoplasts dissociated from the protoplast of the central cell. The ES-protoplasts stayed viable for 2 weeks in culture, but they did not regenerate cell walls.Abbreviations ES embryo sac - FAA fixative (formalin : acetic acid : alcohol = 1 : 1 : 18) - FDA fluorescein diacetate - PAS periodic acid Schiff reaction - 2,4-D 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid     

莴苣胚囊细胞分离

用酶解和解剖方法分离了莴苣的卵细胞,助细胞,中央细胞和合子。莴苣子房先在酶液中酶解40～50min,然后在不含酶的分离液中用解剖针解剖子房。在解剖出的胚囊中,可看到卵细胞,两个助细胞和中央细胞的轮廓。将胚囊的合点端切破,轻轻挤压胚囊的珠孔端,四个细胞即可逸出。在最佳条件下,90min可从40个子房中分离出29个胚囊,进一步从中分离出11个卵细胞。分离出的胚囊细胞用显微操作仪收集备用。莴苣卵细胞的成功分离为进行离体受精探索创造了条件。     

Observations on enzymatically isolated,living and fixed embryo sacs in several angiosperm species

A technique has been developed for isolating embryo sacs (ESs) by enzymatic maceration. Ovules were macerated in a mixture of pectinase, cellulase and, in some cases, snailase and pectolyase Y-23. The ovular tissues were removed and the ESs were isolated in toto. Embryo sacs were isolated from both fixed and fresh ovules of Antirrhinum majus L., Helianthus annuus L. and Nicotiana tabacum L. Fluorochromasia by fluorescein diacetate showed that the ESs isolated from fresh ovules were viable. The method has promise for various histochemical and cell-physiological studies and quite possibly also for in-vitro culture of ESs.Abbreviations ES embryo sac - FDA fluorescein diacetate - FPA formalin-propionic acid 50% alcohol (5:5:10, by vol.) - H33258 Hoechst 33258     

蝴蝶兰合子和胚的分离

该文用酶解一振荡法分离蝴蝶兰受精后的胚囊,然后显微解剖出合子、早期原胚及接近成熟的球形原胚。酶解液由O．7％-1．3％的纤维素酶、0．6％-1．0％果胶酶和10％甘露醇组成,pH5．8,酶解时间20-30min。分离的蝴蝶兰早期原胚和接近成熟的球形原胚均发现有发达的胚柄吸器。     

Isolation of the lily embryo sac

Summary A 5%–8% yield of isolated embryo sacs of Lilium longiflorum was obtained using an enzymatic isolation procedure. The best results were obtained with a maceration mixture containing mannitol, pectinase, pectolyase, cellulase, hemicellulase, CaCl₂ and NaOH. All developmental stages of the female gametophyte can be isolated in the living condition, although fewer than expected mature stages were observed. Moreover, only some of the more mature embryo sacs showed a positive fluorochromatic reaction (FCR) at the time of liberation. When the embryo sacs were stored in the enzyme or sugar solution after isolation, the positive reaction rapidly diminished for all stages. The isolated embryo sac and its nuclei were similar in size, shape, and position to the in situ embryo sac. Light microscopical observations of sectioned material revealed an intact cellular structure. However, the deleterious effects of the enzyme solution were sometimes observed in the form of lipid-like accumulations inside the isolated embryo sac.In collaboration with: Reconnaissance Cellulaire et Amélioration des Plantes, Université Cl. Bernard-Lyon I; INRA 879, 43, Boulevard du 11 Novembre 1918, F-69622 Villeurbanne Cedex, France     

Isolation and osmotic relations of developing megagametophytes of Torenia fournieri

A new method is reported to isolate and handle living megagametophytes of Torenia fournieri at any developmental stage. The stages were determined using light microscopy and delimited by correlating floral morphological traits. When significant changes in the osmotic pressure were found during development, enzyme solutions contained different concentrations of osmoticum. Osmotic pressure is lowest in the megaspore, increases until the four-nucleate stage and then gradually decreases until complete embryo sac formation. In enzymatic solutions containing appropriate concentrations of osmoticum, protoplasts of megaspores, two-, four-, eight-nucleate embryo sacs, egg cells, synergids and central cells were successfully isolated. The living protoplasts were collected by micromanipulator, transferred into microdroplets and tested for viability. Received: 1 June 1998 / Revision accepted: 20 May 1999     

Enzymatic isolation of viable nucelli at the megaspore mother cell stage and in developing embryo sacs in Nicotiana tabacum

Summary Nucelli and developing embryo sacs were enzymatically isolated from ovules of Nicotiana tabacum. Megaspore mother cells, tetrads, uninucleate, binucleate, four-nucleate, eight-nucleate and mature embryo sacs were obtained. The isolated embryo sacs were intact and living, and maintained their original shape and organization. Cytoplasmic streaming was clearly observed. Prolonged incubation of ovules or reincubation of isolated embryo sacs in the maceration mixture resulted in the liberation of the gametophytic cells as individual, living protoplasts.     

酶法分离胚囊的荧光显微观察

用荧光显微技术对酶法分离的胚囊进行了三方面的研究:(1)利用与DNA结合的荧光染料Hoechst 33258对金鱼草、蚕豆、芝麻、烟草、龙葵等植物的分离胚囊??染色,可以观察胚囊中各组成细胞的核以及合子和胚乳的核。(2)用金胺O和樱草黄两种荧光染料染色,证明胚囊壁中含有耐果胶酶与纤维素酶作用的成分,可能是角质,因而虽经上述酶处理仍能保持胚囊的整体性。(3)用脱色苯胺蓝染色观察了被果胶酶分离的泡桐大孢子发生的各期材料,对这一过程中胼胝质的动态作了描述。以上各项实验表明:酶法分离技术与荧光显微技术相结合,是研究胚囊细胞生物学的一种简便有效的方法。     

Isolation of egg cells and zygotes of Torenia fournieri L. and determination of their surface charge

Egg cells of Torenia fournieri were isolated from embryo sacs 1 day after anthesis using enzymatic digestion or mechanical dissection. About 5% of the egg cells and zygotes (2-3 from 50 ovules) could be mechanically dissected within 2 h. When 0.1% cellulase and 0.1% pectinase were added to the mannitol isolation solution, about 18% of the egg cells (8-10 from 50 ovules) could be isolated within 2 h. The egg cells isolated by mechanical dissection could be used for in vitro fertilization studies without any of the potentially deleterious effects of the enzymes on the plasma membrane of egg cell. The egg cells isolated using enzymatic digestion could be used in the study of the molecular biology of female gamete because more egg cells could be isolated with this technique. Using enzymatic digestion, over 10 zygotes from 50 ovules (over 20%) were isolated from the pollinated ovules. Coupled with our successful isolation of mature sperm cells, the isolation of egg cells of T. fournieri will make in vitro fertilization possible in a dicotyledon plant.