A paternal signal induces endosperm proliferation upon fertilization in Arabidopsis. (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38330116/)

These scientists wanted to understand how plants reproduce. They studied a plant called Arabidopsis. In plants, just like in animals, there are male and female parts that need to come together for reproduction. The female part of the plant has a special cell called the central cell that is waiting for the male cell to fertilize it.

The scientists discovered that when the male cell fertilizes the central cell, it sends a signal to it. This signal tells the central cell to start dividing and growing. Before fertilization, the central cell is in a resting state and not dividing.

The scientists found that a protein called RBR1 is responsible for stopping the central cell from dividing. But when the male cell fertilizes it, it brings another protein called CYCD7;1. This protein helps to break down the RBR1 protein, allowing the central cell to start dividing and growing.

This is important because when the central cell starts dividing, it forms a special tissue called endosperm. The endosperm is needed for the plant to make healthy seeds. So, by understanding how this process works, the scientists can help plants grow better and produce more seeds.

Simonini S., Bencivenga S., Grossniklaus U. A paternal signal induces endosperm proliferation upon fertilization in Arabidopsis. Science. 2024 Feb 9;383(6683):646-653. doi: 10.1126/science.adj4996. Epub 2024 Feb 8.