A microsystem-based assay for studying pollen tube guidance in plant reproduction

摘要: We present a novel microsystem-based assay to assess and quantify pollen tube behavior in response pistil tissues. During plant reproduction, signals from female tissues (pistils) guide the sperm-carrying egg cell achieve fertilization initiate seed development. Existing guidance bioassays are performed an isotropically diffusive environment (for example, semi vivo petri dishes) instead of anisotropically conditions required characterize signal gradients. Lack sensitive bioassay has therefore compounded difficulties identifying characterizing that likely produced minute quantities by ovules. developed mimics micro-environment ovule tubes model research Arabidopsis thaliana. In this microdevice, growth rate, length targeting frequencies were similar those obtained using plate assay. As direct measure microdevice's utility monitoring guidance, we demonstrated device, preferentially enter chambers with unfertilized ovules, suggesting sense concentration gradient respond chemoattractants secreted