The correct development of male gametophytes (pollen grains) in flowering plants is essential for proliferate in gamete production. Here we have taken a map-based cloning approach using Arabidopsis male gametophytic mutant, named gemini pollen3 (gem3) to identify and characterize key gene that is expressed gametophytically for the completion of microgametogenesis focusing on genes which control cell division and cell fate determination. Previously reported gem1 and gem2 mutants with similar characteristics to gem3 that are disturbed at asymmetric division and cytokinesis at pollen mitosis I (PMI) in Arabidopsis. However, gem3 was mapped to a different genetic locus, and pollen developmental analysis revealed that gem3 exert an effect at meiosis and mitosis causing complete sterility. We also discovered that gem3 homozygous lines produce aberrant pollen grains, arising from incomplete cytokinesis during male meiosis with sporophytic phenotypes of twisted-shape leaves, large flowers. This mutation shows reduced genetic transmission of gem3 allele through male gametophyte. In previous results, the gem3 locus was confirmed by mapping to the region located on chromosome 5. To further confirm strong candidate gene, we performed sequencing and genetic complementation analysis. Currently, we are performing functional studies of the gem3 gene for the better understanding of molecular mechanisms that control asymmetric division at meiosis and mitosis during pollen development.

Chromosome analysis using mitosis, meiosis and bicolor FISH were carried out in Bupleurum latissimum Nakai, which is one of the endemic plants in Ulleung island of korea. The somatic methaphase chromosomes number of this plant was 2n = 2x = 16 and the chromosome complements consisted of six pairs of metacentrics and two pairs of submetacentrics. The size of chromosomes ranged 2.40~4.20 μm and NOR (nucleolus organizer region) chromosome did not observed using conventional staining. In meiosis chromosomes, metaphase-I and anaphase-I were observed. Metaphase-I anaphase-I showed 8 bivalents and chromosomes migration to make two daughter cells. Using bicolor FISH, one pair of 5S and 45S rDNA signals were detected on the centromeric region of chromosome 3 and the end of short of chromosome 2,respectively. We also observed the NOR using 45S rDNA probe.