Induction of Apoptosis in Protoplasts and Suspension Cultures of Plant Cells

Many studies have showed that apoptosis exists in plants. Our study shows that (1) menadione(VK3) induces apoptosis in suspension cultures of carrot cells; (2) heat shock induces apoptosis in suspension cultures of tobacco cells; and (3) ethrel induces apoptosis in carrot protoplasts. Some important indications of apoptosis were observed, including DNA laddering, TUNEL-positive reaction, condensation and degradation of nuclei.