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Updated: Jun 28, 2026

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.
Abstract:
Apoptosis in detached corn root cap cells under fluorescent microscope was studied. Homokaryon maize B37 inbred lines was tested and the detached corn root cap cells with cell wall might be stained using Hoechst33342. Apoptosis was found under fluorescence microscope treated by culture filtrate of HMC toxin. The sensitivity of HMC toxin to C cytoplasm was greater than N cytoplasm and there was more resistance response in detached corn root cap cells of N cytoplasm than C cytoplasm. Besides, apoptosis did not coincide at different processing times. These indicated that special disease response occurred in the course of apoptosis in detached corn root cap cells of C cytoplasm maize led by HMC which may be collective result of nucleus and cytoplasm.
Insights
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.
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