Isolation and DNA analysis of protoplasts from developing female gametophytes of Picea abies (Norway spruce)

Abstract
Female gametophytes of Picea abies were collected during their growth period (June and July). Tissues were prepared for light microscope examination of their development and for protoplast isolation and further DNA measurements. From archegonia initiation to early embryo development, protoplasts could easily be obtained from such gametophytes. Stained and fixed nuclei, prepared from the protoplasts, were subjected to low cytometry and their DNA content was recorded to be half that of seedling derived nuclei.