Biogenesis and function of the lipidic structures of pollen grains |
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Authors: | Pietro Piffanelli Joanne H E Ross D J Murphy |
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Institution: | (1) John Innes Centre, Norwich Research Park, Colney Lane, Norwich NR4 7UH, UK e-mail: murphyd@bbsrc.ac.uk Tel +44 1603 452571; Fax +44 1603 259882, GB |
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Abstract: | Pollen grains contain several lipidic structures, which play a key role in their development as male gametophytes. The elaborate
extracellular pollen wall, the exine, is largely formed from acyl lipid and phenylpropanoid precursors, which together form
the exceptionally stable biopolymer sporopollenin. An additional extracellular lipidic matrix, the pollen coat, which is particularly
prominent in entomophilous plants, covers the interstices of the exine and has many important functions in pollen dispersal
and pollen-stigma recognition. The sporopollenin and pollen coat precursors are both synthesised in the tapetum under the
control of the sporophytic genome, but at different stages of development. Pollen grains also contain two major intracellular
lipidic structures, namely storage oil bodies and an extensive membrane network. These intracellular lipids are synthesised
in the vegetative cell of the pollen grain under the control of the gametophytic genome. Over the past few years there has
been significant progress in elucidating the composition, biogenesis and function of these important pollen structures. The
purpose of this review is to describe these recent advances within the historical context of research into pollen development.
Received: 1 November 1997 / Revision accepted: 3 February 1998 |
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Keywords: | Lipid Pollen Tapetum Microspore Sporopollenin Oil body |
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