Auxin-Dependent Patterning and Gamete Specification in the Arabidopsis Female Gametophyte

Abstract

Flower Functionalization The development of the specialized cells that make up the female reproductive unit in flowering plants, the gametophyte, requires the hormone auxin. However, auxin's function and movement to and within these cells are unclear. Pagnussat et al. (p. 1684 , published online 4 June; see the Perspective Friedman ) provide evidence that auxin is synthesized at specific positions within the female gametophyte and exerts a positional effect and that a gradient of auxin controls patterning of these specialized cells.