All Images
News Release 10-210
The Genetics of Self-Incompatibility
Petunias show that the mechanisms behind inbreeding prevention are similar to immune response
This material is available primarily for archival purposes. Telephone numbers or other contact information may be out of date; please see current contact information at media contacts.
The female part of the petunia flower secretes an enzyme that is designed to deter pollen tube growth, thereby preventing fertilization. However, in the cases that the pollen has come from a genetically different plant, the pollen produces its own protein that combats the pistil's enzyme. With the enzyme out of the way, the pollen tube can keep growing and fertilization can occur.
Credit: Zina Deretsky, National Science Foundation
Download the high-resolution JPG version of the image. (498 KB)
Use your mouse to right-click (Mac users may need to Ctrl-click) the link above and choose the option that will save the file or target to your computer.
The cover of the November 5, 2010 issue of the journal Science.
Credit: Copyright AAAS 2010
Download the high-resolution JPG version of the image. (243 KB)
Use your mouse to right-click (Mac users may need to Ctrl-click) the link above and choose the option that will save the file or target to your computer.