Programmed cell death (PCD): an essential process of cereal seed development and germination

Area of Science:

• Plant Biology
• Developmental Biology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Cereal seed life cycle comprises development, dormancy, and germination phases.
• Programmed cell death (PCD) is crucial for tissue remodeling and nutrient allocation during seed development and germination.
• Cereal seeds serve as effective models for studying plant developmental PCD.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current knowledge on tissues undergoing PCD in developing and germinating cereal seeds.
• To focus on the biochemical features and regulatory mechanisms of PCD in cereal seeds.
• To discuss the influence of hormones and redox regulation on PCD control.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on programmed cell death in cereal seeds.
• Analysis of biochemical pathways and molecular mechanisms underlying PCD.
• Examination of the roles of hormones and redox signaling in PCD regulation.

Main Results:

• Maternal tissues (nucellus, pericarp) undergo PCD during early seed development for nutrient remobilization.
• Endosperm PCD occurs during maturation, with cells remaining intact until germination.
• Scutellum and aleurone cells execute PCD post-germination to support seedling growth.

Conclusions:

• Programmed cell death in cereal seeds is a highly regulated process with specific spatial-temporal patterns.
• PCD facilitates efficient nutrient transfer between tissues, supporting seed development and seedling establishment.
• Hormonal and redox signals play significant roles in controlling PCD during the cereal seed life cycle.