Metacaspase-dependent programmed cell death is essential for plant embryogenesis

Metacaspase-dependent programmed cell death is essential for plant embryogenesis

In plants, as in animals, programmed cell death (PCD) is a key process responsible for the elimination of unneeded structures and for overall shape remodeling during development [1]; however, the molecular mechanisms remain poorly understood. Despite the absence of canonical caspases in plants, dying plant cells show an increased proteolytic caspase-like activity [2]. Moreover, the cell death c...

Programmed cell death during Drosophila embryogenesis.

The deliberate and orderly removal of cells by programmed cell death is a common phenomenon during the development of metazoan animals. We have examined the distribution and ultrastructural appearance of cell deaths that occur during embryogenesis in Drosophila melanogaster. A large number of cells die during embryonic development in Drosophila. These cells display ultrastructural features that...

Cysteine protease mcII-Pa executes programmed cell death during plant embryogenesis.

Programmed cell death (PCD) is indispensable for eukaryotic development. In animals, PCD is executed by the caspase family of cysteine proteases. Plants do not have close homologues of caspases but possess a phylogenetically distant family of cysteine proteases named metacaspases. The cellular function of metacaspases in PCD is unknown. Here we show that during plant embryogenesis, metacaspase ...

Programmed Cell Death and Genetic Stability in Conifer Embryogenesis

Programmed Cell Death in Plant-pathogen Interactions.

Plants cope with pathogen attacks by using mechanisms of resistance that rely both on preformed protective defenses and on inducible defenses. The latter are the most well studied, and progress is being made in determining which induced responses are responsible for limiting pathogen growth. Many plant-pathogen interactions are accompanied by plant cell death. Recent evidence suggests that this...