Development of Megagametophyte in Erythronium albidum

The primary archesporial cell of Erythronium albidum functions as a macrospore mother cell which develops directly into the megagametophyte. 2. In consequence of the two meiotic divisions followed by a single mitotic division and this by cell division, an 8-nucleate, 7-celled megagametophyte is formed. 3. The last mitotic division in the formation of the megagametophyte occurs just before fertilization. 4. Cell division is by means of cell plates. 5. The chromosome number is n = 22, 2n = 44. 6. Eight V-shaped chromosomes with median spindle fiber attachments and 14 rodlike chromosomes with subterminal spindle fiber attachments are present in gametophytic nuclei.