Phylogenetic and functional signals in gymnosperm ovular secretions.

ABSTRACT:

Background and aims

Gymnosperms are either wind-pollinated (anemophilous) or both wind- and insect-pollinated (ambophilous). Regardless of pollination mode, ovular secretions play a key role in pollen capture, germination and growth; they are likely also involved in pollinator reward. Little is known about the broad-scale diversity of ovular secretions across gymnosperms, and how these may relate to various reproductive functions. This study analyses the sugar and amino acid profiles of ovular secretions across a range of ambophilous (cycads and Gnetales) and anemophilous gymnosperms (conifers) to place them in an evolutionary context of their possible functions during reproduction.

Methods

Ovular secretions from 13 species representing all five main lineages of extant gymno

SUBMITTER: Nepi M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5710648 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature