Trafficking Dynamics in Arabidopsis Pollen-stigma Interactions

Reproduction in the Brassicaceae family depends on self-recognition, where cross-compatible pollen is distinguished from self-incompatible pollen prior to acceptance by the stigma. The stigma only gives compatible pollen the resources required for hydration and germination of a pollen tube for fertilization. These resources are sequestered away from self-incompatible pollen, inhibiting inbreeding. Many questions remain surrounding the specific signalling events that govern this self-recognition system. This research investigates how resource delivery to self-incompatible pollen is prevented in Arabidopsis. Topics explored include the localization of Sec5a, an exocyst complex member that delivers secretory vesicles to compatible pollen; the localization of ARC1, an E3 ubiquitin ligase which prevents the exocyst from delivering resources; and autophagyâ s degradation of the sequestered resources.M.Sc.2018-12-06 00:00:0