Formation of Unique Placental Seed Capsules in the Maturation Process of the Tomato Fruit

Abstract

The morphological and anatomical study of the seed formation features in a juicy tomato fruit was carried out. The ovules, which form on the placenta, have been shown to be gradually enveloped by the protrusions of placental tissue that arises simultaneously with them. As a result of this process, each seed is enclosed in an individual capsule. These seed capsules have been shown in vivo to be airtight and air-filled. Tomato seeds, as has been shown in this study, develop inside these capsules until the full maturity of the fruit and do not come into contact with the detached and moldered cells of the placenta protrusions, which convert into a gel (pulp). Using scanning electron microscopy, it was possible to reveal the details of a ribbon-like “pubescence” formation of the tomato seed, as well as to understand the mechanism of cracking of the outer layer cells in the seed coat, associated with the detection of calcium oxalate crystals in these cells. The unique outer layer of the tomato seed coat seems to play the role of a scaffold that maintains a constant volume of the protective capsule.

Comparative 1H NMR-Based Metabolomics of Traditional Landrace and Disease-Resistant Chili Peppers (Capsicum annuum L.)

“…The placenta connects the seeds to the fruit and plays a crucial role in transporting nutrients and supporting seed development. The metabolites present in the placenta are therefore involved in nutrient storage, transport, and signaling to support seed development [24]. We found that the placenta contained higher glucose, asparagine, and arginine contents than the other parts of the chili pepper.…”

Developmental Biology: Computational and Experimental Approaches

“…This Special Issue entitled “Developmental Biology: Computational and Experimental Approaches” of the International Journal of Molecular Sciences includes six contributions as original articles [ 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 ], providing new information about the experimental and computational approaches that promote technical progress for research into developmental biology.…”

“…A study conducted by Chaban et al [ 4 ], in which the development of the tomato fruit was studied with the use of a scanning electron microscope, is an example of experimental approaches used in research into developmental biology. The authors found that each seed of this plant was enclosed in an individual air-tight capsule filled with air.…”

“…Our Special Issue devoted to developmental biology shows that the matter of identification of the molecular mechanisms underlying signal transduction and gene expression in normal embryogenesis [ 4 , 5 ] and normal prepuberty [ 6 ], in abnormal processes due to polymorphisms (SNPs) [ 7 ], in cancers [ 8 ], and in infection caused by SARS-CoV-2 [ 9 ] is one of the first priorities of modern experimental and computer-based studies.…”