ISOLATION OF VIABLE EGG CELLS OF RAPE (BRASSICA-NAPUS L)

The isolation of viable egg cells of rape (Brassica napus L.) has been achieved from microdissected ovules. The non-gametic cells of the emb ryo sac, synergids and central cells have also been isolated. Their mo rphology corresponded to that of these cells in situ, making a discrim ination from isolated sporophytic cells possible. Two hours after isol ation the egg cells were still viable. Viable egg cells have been repr oducibly isolated with a frequency of 25% per dissected ovule.