A root hair assay to expedite cell death research

Measuring and Perturbing Ferroptosis in Plants

Ferroptosis is an oxidative iron-dependent cell death that was recently described in vertebrates, invertebrates, fungi, plants, and bacteria. In plants, ferroptosis has been reported in response to heat shock in roots of 6-day-old Arabidopsis thaliana seedlings. Generally, all biochemical and morphological ferroptosis hallmarks are conserved between animals and plants. Here, we describe a protocol to induce and quantify ferroptosis in plants based on the analysis of dead cells with a Sytox Green stain. Furthermore, heat shock induced cell death is prevented by using specific ferroptosis inhibitors.

Methods to Study Plant Programmed Cell Death

Programmed cell death (PCD) is a critical component of plant development, defense against invading pathogens, and response to environmental stresses. In this chapter, we provide detailed technical methods for studying PCD associated with plant development or induced by abiotic stress. A root hair assay or electrolyte leakage assay are excellent techniques for the quantitative determination of PCD and/or cellular injury induced in response to abiotic stress, whereas the lace plant provides a unique model that facilitates the study of genetically regulated PCD during leaf development.