Arabidopsis ribosomal RNA processing meerling mutants exhibit suspensor-derived polyembryony due to direct reprogramming of the suspensor.

Embryo development in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) starts off with an asymmetric division of the zygote to generate the precursors of the embryo proper and the supporting extraembryonic suspensor. The suspensor degenerates as the development of the embryo proper proceeds beyond the heart stage. Until the globular stage, the suspensor maintains embryonic potential and can form embryos in the absence of the developing embryo proper.