Ultrastructure of Synergids in Sugar Beet

Abstract

We use TEM to study the synergids in sugar beet, so as to provide more information for reproductive biology of angiosperm. Results were as follows: two synergids were similar in flower bud stage. Both of them show polarity with developed filiform apparatus (FA) at micropyle end and lacked cell wall at chalazal end. Then electron density in one synergid increased which suggested cell degeneration began. Complete degeneration finished before pollination. Organelles including mitochondrium, plastids and ribosomes gradually increased in the other synergid (persistent synergid). Metabolism of persistent synergid gradually enhanced. It began to degenerate when zygote had alveolate cell wall at the chalazal end, while completely degeneration and disappearance of FA took place at late stage of zygote. The results suggested that degeneration of one synergid in sugar beet must be triggered by other stimulation than pollination and pollen tube growth. As a transfer cell, persistent synergid transported nutrition for the development of embryo sac.