Abstract:The temporal and spatial distribution patterns of calmodulin mRNA and protein were detected by in situ RNA hybridization and in situ immunohistochemical localization, respectively, in the developing anthers and pistils in rice ( Oryza sativa L. cv. Chunjiang). Calmodulin (CAM) gene was substantially expressed in the tapetum, stigma, pollen tube track, degenerated synergid and transfusion parenchyma cells. Less but significant amounts of CAM were also localized in the microspore mother cells, microspores, pollen, antipodal cells, egg cell and central cell. The density of reaction products varied with different developmental stages. During the earlier developmental stages of anther, CAM gene was expressed strongly, then declined gradually and became centralized in some special sites such as the tapetmn, pollen germination apertures, etc. During the embryogenesis, CAM gene was expressed stronger in the endosperm cells than in the proembryo cells at the earlier stage but it was reversed at the stage of embryo differentiation. The authors propose that CAM may be involved in regulating such events as microspore development, pollen germination, pollen tube growth, fertilization, and substance transport during sexual plant reproduction through Ca2 +-CAM signaling pathways.