Attraction of tip-growing pollen tubes by the female gametophyte

Pollen tube guidance is the mechanism whereby the direction of pollen tube growth is controlled by female cells of the pistil. Some key genes and molecules have recently been identified as being involved in pollen tube guidance. In this review article, we discuss the molecular basis of pollen tube guidance, especially in Arabidopsis thaliana, by summarizing recent progress in various plant species. Attractant molecules and receptors for gametophytic pollen tube guidance are the focus of this article.

► Ovular factors including peptides control pollen tube guidance in the ovary.
► Molecules at the pollen tube tip including ion channels control the tip growth.
► Molecular basis of pollen tube guidance in Arabidopsis thaliana is the focus.