Functional pollen is needed to successfully complete fertilization. Pollen is formed inside the
anthers following a specific sequence of developmental stages, from microsporocyte …

One of the major cell fate transitions in eukaryotes is entry into meiosis. While in single-
celled yeast this decision is triggered by nutrient starvation, in multicellular eukaryotes, such …

Background As a superfamily of transcription factors (TFs), the basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH)
proteins have been characterized functionally in many plants with a vital role in the …

Abstract RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) provides invaluable knowledge on developmental
pathways and the effects of mutant phenotypes. Plant reproductive cells have traditionally …

Efforts to increase genetic gains in breeding programs of flowering plants depend on making
genetic crosses. Time to flowering, which can take months to decades depending on the …

The micro-morphology of leaf epidermises is valuable for the study of leaf development and
function, as well as the classification of plant species. There have been few studies …

Background Meiosis is a form of specialized cell division that marks the transition from
diploid meiocyte to haploid gamete, and provides an opportunity for genetic reassortment …

CMS, which refers to the inability to generate functional pollen grains while still producing a
normal gynoecium, has been widely used for pepper hybrid seed production. Pepper line …

Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) is a native prairie grass and valuable bio-energy crop. The
physiological change from juvenile to reproductive adult can draw important resources away …

The normal progression of mitotic cycles and synchronized development within female
reproductive organs are pivotal for sexual reproduction in plants. Nevertheless, our …