The Maize Male Gametophyte

Abstract

The maize male gametophyte is a biologically complex component in seed production, and is of great interest for both practical and scientific reasons. In the anther of the stamen, a well-characterized series of developmental events produces the haploid pollen grain, which is released for pollination of the silk and subsequent fertilization of the embryo sac. Use of biochemical, cell biological, and genetic techniques has provided insight into the mechanisms underlying these developmental changes. Here, we provide a basic description of these events. We also highlight recent results that inform our understanding of male gametophytic development and function, as well as features of maize that make it an attractive alternative to other plant models for investigating the male gametophyte.