Anthers of inbred F44 fertile (N) and cytoplasmic male‐sterile (T) corn plants (Zea mays L.) were compared cytologically. No differences between fertile and sterile anthers were observed in size and number of mitochondria or plastids until after the start of anther degeneration. A rapid division of mitochondria was observed, however, in the tapetum and sporogenous cells of both fertile and sterile anthers during early growth stages. This rapid increase in mitochondrial numbers per cell (some 20‐to 40‐fold) preceded tapetal breakdown in sterile anthers and did not occur in other anther cells or in plastids. Limited observations on the megagametophyte and nucellus revealed that mitochondria in ovules remain relatively constant in size and number during gametogenesis and do not undergo degeneration.