Visualization of FtsZ Rings in Plastids of the Microspore in Lilium longiflorum

Abstract

Previous study demonstrated that the ftsZ gene expressed specifically in pollen generative cells of Lilium longiflorum was also found to be expressed during microsporogenesis before formation of them. We, therefore, proved the expression of L. longiflorum FtsZ (LlFtsZ) in uninucleate microspores with specific antibodies. As a result, rings were visualized in the cytoplasm of young microspores. Moreover, it was revealed that almost all rings overlapped on each of plastids by 4', 6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) staining. Each spherical and peanut-shaped plastid had one ring on its equator. These results suggest that FtsZ ring is required for plastid division.