The Nemec phenomenon as a possible manifestation of the stemness property of anther cells of flowering plants under stress conditions

The analysis of the literature and own data devoted to the study of the most interesting phenomenon of the formation in anthers of flowering plants under stress effects the so-called «pollen embryo sacs» (Nemec phenomenon). It is noted that certain empirical data have been accumulated in this field of research and some theoretical generalizations have been made, however, the switching of the morphogenetic program of anther cell development with the change of male to female potency has not yet been definitively explained. It is emphasized that the basic approach to understanding this phenomenon should be the further development of the problem of the totipotency and stemless cell properties as an ability to self-renew and generate various types of cells, caused, apparently, by the attached lifestyle of plants. In addition, the further development of the concept of the anther as a complex integrated system should play an important role, since the formation of such structures is induced by violations of the integrity of the anther under the influence of stress factors. The data obtained during the study of the formation of «pollen embryo sacs» from anther cells can contribute to further understanding of the fundamental principles of the most complex process of plant morphogenesis.