Pressure-induced cell wall instability and growth oscillations in pollen tubes.

ABSTRACT: In the seed plants, the pollen tube is a cellular extension that serves as a conduit through which male gametes are transported to complete fertilization of the egg cell. It consists of a single elongated cell which exhibits characteristic oscillations in growth rate until it finally bursts, completing its function. The mechanism behind the periodic character of the growth has not been fully understood. In this paper we show that the mechanism of pressure--induced symmetry frustration occurring in the wall at the transition-perimeter between the cylindrical and approximately hemispherical parts of the growing pollen tube, together with the addition of cell wall material, is sufficient to release and sustain mechanical self-oscillations and cell extension. At the transition zone, where symm

SUBMITTER: Pietruszka M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3833986 | biostudies-literature | 2013

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature