Sexual Reproduction in Lily (Lilium)

Lily is one of the most frequently studied models of double fertilization. This site illustrates this process with some images taken from commercial slides, as examined using light microscopy (below). Please also see the Confocal Microscopy of Double Fertilization in Lily (Lilium) site which concentrates on male and female gamete fusion.

Male gamete formation

Microscopic views showing the process of microspore formation (microsporogenesis) and subsequent pollen grain formation (microgametophytes).

Female gamete formation

Microscopic views showing the process of megaspore formation (megasporogenesis) and the subsequent process of female gamete formation (megagametogenesis) within the embyro sac.

Double Fertilization & Embryogenesis

Microscopic views showing the processes of double fertilization and embryogenesis are shown.

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