Rethinking cytoskeleton in plant reproduction: toward a biotechnological future?

Abstract

 Sexual reproduction in plants is intimately connected to the activity of the cytoskeletal apparatus in reproductive cells. Because of the ease with which the pollen tube can be studied, it has become a model for studying many aspects of cell physiology related to the cytoskeleton, such as movement of organelles and vesicles and cell division. However, information about cytoskeletal proteins is still insufficient for determining cytoskeletal functions during reproduction, especially in terms of cell-cell interactions. One reason may be that cytological and biochemical research on the cytoskeleton of pollen and the embryo sac has not been complemented by sufficient research activity at genetic and molecular levels, and few laboratories are currently involved in this work. This might be because of problems in identifying appropriate applied applications of the work that might attract more investigation.