In: Phyton 56, Fasc. 1 (2016): S. 91-101 DOI: 10.12905/0380.phyton56(1)2016-0091

Megasporogenesis and Megagametogenesis inZephyranthes candida (Amaryllidaceae), with Special Notes on the Behavior of the Synergids, the Central Cell and the Antipodal Cells

By

Cheng-qi Ao, Lu-yun Wang, Hao Sun, Jia-te Lin, Yi Chai and Cong-cong Chen, with 3 Figures

Key words: Amaryllidaceae, Zephyranthes candida. – Embryology, mega­sporogenesis, megagamentogenesis, Polygonum type embryo sac, synergids, central cell, antipodal cells.

Summary
Ao C., Wang L., Sun H., Lin J., Chai Y. & Chen C. 2016. Megasporogenesis and megagametogenesis in Zephyranthes candida (Amaryllidaceae), with special notes on the behavior of the synergids, the central cell and the antipodal cells. – Phyton (Horn, Austria) 56 (1): 91–101, with 3 figures.

Megasporogenesis and megagametogenesis in Zephyranthes candida (Lindl.) Herb. (Amaryllidaceae) were observed by means of conventional paraffin sections. The archesporial cell beneath the nucellar epidermis develops into a parietal cell and a sporogenous cell that acts directly as a megaspore mother cell (MMC). The MMC undergoes two successive meiotic divisions, giving rise to a linear tetrad. One chalazal megaspore becomes functional, while the three other megaspores degener­ate. The functional megaspore becomes a mononucleate embryo sac and develops through three subsequent mitotic divisions into a seven-celled/eight-nucleate em­bryo sac. The embryo sac development follows the Polygonum type. The structure of the mature embryo sac in Z. candida is described and the behaviors of the synergids, the central cell and the antipodal cells are discussed.