Functional analysis of a beta-1,3-glucanase gene (Tag1) with anther-specific RNA and protein accumulation using antisense RNA inhibition.

A critical stage in pollen development is the dissolution of tetrads into free microspores. Tetrads are surrounded by a wall composed primarily of beta-1,3-glucan. At the completion of meiosis, tetrads are released into the anther locule after hydrolysis of the callose by a beta-1,3-glucanase complex.