Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 10, 2026
06:06
Studying Cell Death Initiation Using a Digital Microscope
Published on: November 10, 2023
Emerging insights into developmental programmed cell death in plants
Jacek Łuc1, Monika Kwiatkowska1, Aneta Słomka1
1Department of Plant Cytology and Embryology, Institute of Botany, Faculty of Biology, Jagiellonian University, 9 Gronostajowa St., 30-387 Krakow, Poland.
Journal of Experimental Botany
|August 8, 2026
Summary
Programmed cell death (PCD) shapes plant development and responses. This review details molecular mechanisms of developmental PCD (dPCD) and its role in plant growth, with implications for crop improvement.
Area of Science:
- Plant Biology
- Cellular Biology
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Programmed cell death (PCD) is a critical, regulated process in plants.
- It influences development and adaptive environmental responses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an integrated overview of developmental PCD (dPCD) in plants.
- To summarize mechanisms and implications of dPCD.
Main Methods:
- Literature review integrating systematic embryology.
- Summary of molecular, cellular, and physiological mechanisms.
- Incorporation of recent advances in omics and imaging technologies.
Main Results:
- dPCD is crucial across vegetative and generative stages, including embryogenesis, senescence, and abscission.
- Key regulators include transcription factors, caspase-like proteases, ROS, calcium signaling, and phytohormones.
- dPCD contributes to developmental pattern diversity and stability.
Conclusions:
- Understanding dPCD is vital for plant growth and tissue patterning.
- Targeting dPCD pathways offers potential for crop improvement, stress resilience, and sustainable agriculture.
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