FIGURE 2.

Schematic representation of structures involved in rice reproduction together with chromatin modifier genes listed in regulation of three different steps. Inflorescence produces spikelets (sp) that generate numerous flowers. A mature flower contains different types of organs including lemma (le), palea (pa), stemen (st), and pistil (pi). The female gametophyte ovule is formed inside of ovary of the pistil and at maturation contains four different types of cells: antipodal (ap), polar nuclei (pn), synergid (sy), and egg cell (ec). The male gametophyte pollen is produced inside of anther of the stamen and at maturation contains two sperm cells (sc) and one vegetative cell (vn). Upon fertilization, one sperm cell fuses with egg cell to produce embryo (em) and the other sperm cell fuses with the two polar nuclei to produce endosperm (en), together forming a mature seed. Chromatin modifier genes playing important regulatory roles in floral organogenesis, gametophyte development, and fertilization/seed development are listed.