Cytomixis in plants: causes, mechanisms and consequences

Abstract

The migration of organelles, gene products and genetic material between meiocytes through cytoplasmic connections or cytomitic channels are defined as cytomixis. This phenomenon has been reported in Leguminosae, Brassicaceae, Poaceae, Apocynaceae, Liliaceae, Rutaceae and other plant families, being more commonly observed among cells of the pollen mother cells (PMCs). When cytomitic channels transfer genetic material between PMCs, the formation of unbalanced and unreduced (2n) gametes are induced, being considered as a possible source of aneuploid and polyploid plants with an evolutionary significance for this. To date, mechanisms and causes of these transfers between interconnected meiocytes are unknown, requiring further studies to clarify the knowledge related to such intriguing phenomenon.