Structural characteristics of the mature embryo sac of Camellia Oleifera
23 November 2017
Gao, Chao; Yang, Rui; Yuan, DeyiThe ovule is the most important reproductive organ in the pistil of phanerogamae. Camellia oleifera is an important woody plant producing edible oil in southern China, and its embryo sac structure has a positive effect on seed breeding. In this study, the microstructure, ultrastructure and three-dimensional structure of the ovule and embryo sac of C. oleifera were observed. The ovule contains the inner and outer integument. Large quantities of secretions in the micropylar canal exit and may participate in the guidance of the entry of the pollen tube into the embryo sac. Synergids have a dense cytoplasm, abundant organelles, and strong polarity. Little cytoplasm is present in the egg cell, yet there are many vacuoles. The center of the cell is taken up by a large vacuole, and the cytoplasm is pushed to the edge to form obvious cytoplasmic cords. The two polar nuclei are large and conspicuous. Antipodal cells degenerate to fulfill a nutritional function. A study of the characteristics of mature ovules and the structural characteristics of the embryo sac of C. oleifera will be of great significance for the crossbreeding and for revealing the fertilization mechanism of the genus Camellia.