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Updated: Jun 28, 2026
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Detached Maize Sheaths for Live-Cell Imaging of Infection by Fungal Foliar Maize Pathogens
Published on: September 15, 2023
[Apoptosis in detached corn root cap cells under fluorescent microscope]
Chuang Shang1, Yin Suo Jia, Li Bai Hou
1Institute of Genetics and Physiology, Hebei Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Shijiazhuang 050051, China.
Fen Zi Xi Bao Sheng Wu Xue Bao = Journal of Molecular Cell Biology
|October 31, 2008
Summary
This study investigated apoptosis in corn root cap cells. Maize with C cytoplasm showed higher sensitivity to HMC toxin, indicating a unique disease response involving nucleus and cytoplasm.
Area of Science:
- Plant pathology
- Cell biology
- Molecular genetics
Context:
- Investigating programmed cell death (apoptosis) in plant cells.
- Utilizing fluorescent microscopy for cellular analysis.
- Examining the effects of toxins on plant tissues.
Purpose:
- To study apoptosis in detached corn root cap cells.
- To assess the differential sensitivity of maize cytoplasms (C and N) to HMC toxin.
- To understand the role of nucleus and cytoplasm in HMC-induced apoptosis.
Summary:
- Apoptosis was observed in detached corn root cap cells treated with HMC toxin using Hoechst33342 staining and fluorescent microscopy.
- Maize with C cytoplasm exhibited greater sensitivity to HMC toxin compared to N cytoplasm.
- Apoptosis timing varied, suggesting a complex disease response in C cytoplasm maize involving both nuclear and cytoplasmic factors.
Impact:
- Provides insights into plant cellular defense mechanisms against toxins.
- Highlights cytoplasmic influence on plant disease susceptibility.
- Contributes to understanding the molecular basis of plant-maize interactions.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Apoptosis
Apoptosis is a combination of two Greek words, 'apo' and 'ptosis,' meaning separation and falling off, respectively. Hippocrates used this word to describe gangrene, which was caused due to bandaging of fractured bones. Apoptosis was distinguished from necrosis in 1970 when John Kerr reported observations of morphological changes occurring during apoptosis. During one experiment, he observed that the disruption of blood supply to the liver tissue resulted in a size reduction of the tissue.
01:17Phagocytosis of Apoptotic Cells
Cells undergoing apoptosis form apoptotic bodies that must be removed immediately to prevent inflammation, autoimmune diseases, and necrosis. Phagocytosis is carried out by professional phagocytes such as macrophages or immature dendritic cells. Non-professional phagocytes such as epithelial cells and fibroblasts also take part in this process; however, they are not as effective as professional phagocytes.
Normal cells contain receptors that prevent them from being recognized by phagocytes.
Normal cells contain receptors that prevent them from being recognized by phagocytes.
01:30Overview of Cell Death
Cell death is an essential process where the body gets rid of old or damaged cells. Cell proliferation and death need to be balanced, as an imbalance between the two may lead to cancer or autoimmune diseases.
Cell death was observed in the early 19th century, but there was no experimental evidence to prove it. In 1842, Carl Vogt first discovered cell death in a metamorphic toad; however, it was not termed ‘cell death.’ Scientists discovered different cell death pathways only in the 20th century...
Cell death was observed in the early 19th century, but there was no experimental evidence to prove it. In 1842, Carl Vogt first discovered cell death in a metamorphic toad; however, it was not termed ‘cell death.’ Scientists discovered different cell death pathways only in the 20th century...