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 celis; (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.