Cellular, Molecular, And Genetic Changes During The Development Of Ceratopteris Richardii Gametophytes

Ceratopteris richardii is an aquatic fern that has proven to be a ­productive model system for studies in the genetics, biochemistry, and cell ­biology of early gametophytic development. Here we review and discuss the recent literature that documents the cellular, molecular, and gene expression changes that occur in gametophytes during polarity development and sexual differentiation, and in response to the environmental stimuli of light and gravity. Different approaches to achieve genetic transformation in this fern will also be discussed.