Abstract
Double fertilization is an important mechanism for angiosperm reproduction. However, little is known both morphologically and genetically due to the position of the embryo sac. Since the embryo sac is embedded inside of the ovule tissue deeply, it had been extremely hard to observe it directly. To overcome this difficulty, we have developed confocal laser microscope system which allows us to observe gametophytic cells inside the ovule as a sequential 3D movie. We have searched fluorescence protein makers which enable us to capture the real time imaging of the double fertilization. Here, we show the real time imaging of the double fertilization process for the first time. This result leads to new findings that sperm cells migrate toward the place for the fertilization within 1min. after pollen tube discharge. We observed that the fertilization of the central cell occurs first, followed by the egg cell fertilization.
