Proceedings of the XLV Italian Society of Agricultural Genetics - SIGA Annual Congress

Salsomaggiore Terme, Italy - 26/29 September, 2001

ISBN 88-900622-1-5

Oral Communication Abstract

GENETIC CONTROL OF POLLEN TUBE GROWTH: A REVIEW OF NEW SIGNIFICANT DEVELOPMENTS

MASCARENHAS J. P.

Department of Biological Sciences, University at Albany, State University of New York, Albany, New York 12222, USA

jm558@cnsunix.albany.edu

Signaling molecules and processes are being increasingly implicated in pollen tube growth and in the complex interaction of pollen grains and tubes with pistil tissues during pollination and fertilization. Calcium-mediated signal cascades, signaling proteins such as G proteins and protein kinases, and regulation of cytoskeletal dynamics, are some of the aspects that are providing new insights into pollen development. Based on the phenotypes of mutants it would appear that several currently unknown molecules might also be involved. This information will be reviewed, integrated and discussed.