Plant embryonic development

Embryonic Development Stages

• Embryogenesis stages include zygote formation, cellular differentiations, and morphogenic events unique to eudicots.
• Key stages such as two cell, eight cell, globular, heart, and torpedo stages are crucial.
• Structures like endosperm, zygote, embryo, suspensor, and cotyledons play essential roles in development.

Cell Division and Differentiation

• Asymmetric transverse cell division leads to the formation of apical and basal cells.
• Apical cell gives rise to hypocotyl, shoot apical meristem, and cotyledons.
• Basal cell forms hypophysis and suspensor, establishing polarity in the embryo.

Tissue Development and Specialization

• Differentiation at the eight cell and sixteen cell stages leads to the formation of distinct domains contributing to various embryo parts.
• Introduction of primary meristematic tissues like ground meristem and procambium at the globular stage.
• Development of primary tissues like ground tissue, pith, cortex, and vascular tissue (xylem and phloem) occurs during these stages.

Maturation and Dormancy

• Postembryonic phase involves cell growth, macromolecule storage, and seed coat hardening.
• Dormancy phase follows embryogenesis, requiring specific conditions like scarification or stratification for germination.
• Importance of auxin hormone in regulating elongation, polarity, and embryonic pattern during development.

Alternative Forms of Embryogenesis

• Somatic embryogenesis involves forming embryos from ordinary plant tissue, lacking endosperm or seed coat.
• Androgenesis leads to mature plant embryo formation from immature pollen grain under stressful conditions.
• Embryonic tissue consists of actively growing cells, contributing to plant growth and bud development.

Plant embryonic development Data Sources