摘要
Maize(Zea mays)endosperm is an important food source for humans and animals.In addition,it is considered an excellent model for research on seed development because of its relatively large size for both embryo and endosperm compared to those of other crop species,such as rice(Oryza sativa)and wheat(Triticum aestivum).After double fertilization,early maize endosperm development includes three stages:(i)a multinucleate coenocyte stage;(i)a cellularization stage,in which the cellular endosperm is formed;and(ii)a stage of differentiation into distinct cells.During early differentiation,four major cell types with specific functions differentiate within the endosperm:starchy endosperm,aleurone layer,basal endosperm transfer layer(BETL),and embryo surrounding region.The subaleurone,conducting zone,basal intermediate zone,and endosperm adjacent to scutellum arise in late differentiation(Sabelli and Larkins 2009).After the main cell types are established,maize endosperm undergoes intensive cell proliferation,which marks the transition to the endosperm-filling stage.During the endosperm-flling stage,the maternal sucrose products are transported to seeds through the BETL region,where they will act as the main carbon substrate for storage products such as starch and proteins(Chen et al.,2023).In fact,the endosperm of maize seeds accounts for approximately 90%of the total grain weight,serving as an important nutrient reservoir(Flint-Garcia et al.,2009).
基金
the National Institute of Food and Agriculture SCRI2022-51181-38333.No conflict of interest is declared。
