3D Imaging of Tapetal Mitochondria Suggests the Importance of Mitochondrial Fission in Pollen Growth

Mitochondrial fission occurs frequently in plant cells, but its biological significance is poorly understood because mutants specifically impaired in mitochondrial fission do not show obvious defects in vegetative growth. we used 3D imaging to quantify geometric and textural features of cells and mitochondria in the tapetum at different stages, using isolated single tapetal cells in which the in vivo morphology and volume of cells and mitochondria were preserved. The results showed that in wild type, tapetal cells and their mitochondria changed in the volume and morphology at different developmental stages. However, defects in mitochondrial fission impaired the adjustment of mitochondrial status in the tapetum and possibly in pollen as well. By contrast, defects in mitochondrial fission impaired the adjustment of mitochondrial status in the tapetum and possibly in pollen as well. Our study suggests that mitochondrial fission is critical for tapetal function and pollen development.
Der-Fen Suen

 

Co-researchers:Pei-Ying Chen, Chia-Chen Wu, Chung-Chih Lin, Wann-Neng Jane