Independent parental contributions initiate zygote polarization in Arabidopsis thaliana.

Embryogenesis of flowering plants is initiated by polarization of the zygote, a prerequisite for correct axis formation in the embryo. The daughter cells of the asymmetric zygote division form the pro-embryo and the mostly extra-embryonic suspensor. The suspensor plays a pivotal role in nutrient and hormone transport and rapid growth of the embryo.