Gene expression patterns in the maize caryopsis: clues to decisions in embryo and endosperm development.

We will describe gene expression patterns in the maize caryopsis, which provide clues to developmental decisions and questions in the embryo and endosperm. The emphasis will be on the development of the root/shoot axis, which is the main achievement of plant embryogenesis. Data obtained in the vegetative seedling are included as far as they may be relevant to the elaboration of the shoot/root axis. Development of the embryo will be briefly compared to endosperm as both seed compartment exhibit pronounced differences.