Big Role of Small RNAs in Female Gametophyte Development

In living organisms, sexual reproduction relies on the successful development of the gametes. Flowering plants produce gametes in the specialized organs of the flower, the gametophytes. The female gametophyte (FG), a multicellular structure containing female gametes (egg cell and central cell), is often referred to as an embryo sac. Intriguingly, several protein complexes, molecular and genetic mechanisms participate and tightly regulate the female gametophyte development. Recent evidence indicates that small RNA (sRNA) mediated pathways play vital roles in female gametophyte development and specification. Here, we present an insight into our understanding and the recent updates on the molecular mechanism of different players of small RNA-directed regulatory pathways during ovule formation and growth.

Automated summary

In living organisms, sexual reproduction relies on the successful development of gametes, with flowering plants producing gametes in specialized organs of the flower, the gametophytes. Recent evidence suggests that small RNA-mediated pathways play important roles in the development and specification of the female gametophyte. Numerous protein complexes, molecular, and genetic mechanisms are involved in tightly regulating the development of the female gametophyte, known as the embryo sac, in plants.