Figure 3.

Abnormal ovule development in eif4a1 mutant plants.

(a–i) Nomarski microscope images of ovules from Col‐0 and eif4a1 mutants at different stages of floral development (stages 12–16; Smyth et al., 1990).

(a–c) Col‐0 ovules showing normal development.

(d–f) eif4a1 mutant ovules developing normally.

(g–i) eif4a1 mutant ovules developing abnormally.

(a, d) In normal development, the integuments surround the nucellus.

(g, h) The nucellus in some eif4a1 ovules is extruded from the embryo sac.

(b, e) The ovule enlarges slightly, and the micropyle curves around towards the funiculus.

(c, f, i) After fertilization, embryos can be seen in normally developing ovules, whereas some eif4a1 ovules show tissue degradation. Abbreviations: cc, central cell; e, egg cell; em, embryo; f, funiculus; ii, inner integument; m, micropyle; nc, nucellar cells; nu, nucellus being extruded; oi, outer integument; s, synergid; su, suspensor. Scale bars: 25 μm.