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Review
. 2018 Jul;75(14):2509-2518.
doi: 10.1007/s00018-018-2816-x. Epub 2018 May 5.

Seed coat thickness in the evolution of angiosperms

Olivier Coen  1   2 , Enrico Magnani  3
Affiliations
Review

Seed coat thickness in the evolution of angiosperms

Olivier Coen et al. Cell Mol Life Sci. 2018 Jul.

Abstract

The seed habit represents a remarkable evolutionary advance in plant sexual reproduction. Since the Paleozoic, seeds carry a seed coat that protects, nourishes and facilitates the dispersal of the fertilization product(s). The seed coat architecture evolved to adapt to different environments and reproductive strategies in part by modifying its thickness. Here, we review the great natural diversity observed in seed coat thickness among angiosperms and its molecular regulation in Arabidopsis.

Keywords: Fertilization; Integument; Ovule; Seed coat; Seed coat thickness; Seed evolution; Seed maternal tissues.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Arabidopsis ovule primordium at stage 2-V stained with Calcofluor M2R White. F funiculus (violet), C chalaza (red), N nucellus (orange), oi outer integument (blue), ii inner integument (green). Bar = 20 µm
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Scheme of bitegmic, unitegmic, and bifid ovules. Outer integument (blue); inner integument (green); tissue of unclear origin (yellow)
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
List of Arabidopsis genes and hormones known to regulate seed coat thickness
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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