Pollen Abortion in T Cytoplasmic Male-Sterile Corn ( Zea mays ): A Suggested Mechanism

Abstract
A rapid replication of mitochondria (20- to 40-fold increase) occurs between the precallose and tetrad stages in the tapetum of N and T corn (Zea mays) anthers, followed by mitochondrial, tapetal, and pollen breakdown in T anthers. It is suggested that the altered DNA in T mitochondria may malfunction under these stress conditions.