Dendrobium orchids carrying antisense ACC oxidase: small changes in flower morphology and a delay of bud abortion, flower senescence, and abscission of flowers

Four Dendrobium Sonia 'Earsakul' lines were generated by insertion of one, two or three antisense copies of a Carica papaya gene encoding 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid oxidase (CpACO). Whole vegetative plants of the transgenic lines showed about 50% of the basal ethylene production rate, while the increase in ethylene production in floral buds during opening and open flowers prior to visible senescence was delayed. Detailed analysis of more than 100 parameters in flowering plants showed no effect of antisense ACO on plant morphology and coloration, except for shorter length and width of some of the sepals and petals. In intact plants the water-soaking of floral buds as well as bud abscission were delayed by ACO antisense, as was the time to senescence of open flowers. Pollen viability and pollen tube growth were not affected in the transgenic lines. In cut inflorescences placed in water, bud yellowing, bud water soaking, and bud abscission were considerably delayed by the antisense construct, while the life span of open flowers were increased and abscission of open flowers were delayed. It is concluded that the reduction of ACO activity affected the shape of some petals/sepals and delayed the abortion in floral buds, and the senescence and abscission of open flowers.

Time course of programmed cell death, which included autophagic features, in hybrid tobacco cells expressing hybrid lethality

KEY MESSAGE

PCD with features of vacuolar cell death including autophagy-related features were detected in hybrid tobacco cells, and detailed time course of features of vacuolar cell death were established. A type of interspecific Nicotiana hybrid, Nicotiana suaveolens × N. tabacum exhibits temperature-sensitive lethality. This lethality results from programmed cell death (PCD) in hybrid seedlings, but this PCD occurs only in seedlings and suspension-cultured cells grown at 28 °C, not those grown at 36 °C. Plant PCD can be classified as vacuolar cell death or necrotic cell death. Induction of autophagy, vacuolar membrane collapse and actin disorganization are each known features of vacuolar cell death, but observed cases of PCD showing all these features simultaneously are rare. In this study, these features of vacuolar cell death were evident in hybrid tobacco cells expressing hybrid lethality. Ion leakage, plasma membrane disruption, increased activity of vacuolar processing enzyme, vacuolar membrane collapse, and formation of punctate F-actin foci were each evident in these cells. Transmission electron microscopy revealed that macroautophagic structures formed and tonoplasts ruptured in these cells. The number of cells that contained monodansylcadaverine (MDC)-stained structures and the abundance of nine autophagy-related gene transcripts increased just before cell death at 28 °C; these features were not evident at 36 °C. We assessed whether an autophagic inhibitor, wortmannin (WM), influenced lethality in hybrid cells. After the hybrid cell began to die, WM suppressed increases in ion leakage and cell deaths, and it decreased the number of cells containing MDC-stained structures. These results showed that several features indicative of autophagy and vacuolar cell death were evident in the hybrid tobacco cells subject to lethality. In addition, we documented a detailed time course of these vacuolar cell death features.

Vesicles between plasma membrane and cell wall prior to visible senescence of Iris and Dendrobium flowers

Cut Iris flowers (Iris x hollandica, cv. Blue Magic) show visible senescence about two days after full opening. Epidermal cells of the outer tepals collapse due to programmed cell death (PCD). Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) showed irregular swelling of the cell walls, starting prior to cell collapse. Compared to cells in flowers that had just opened, wall thickness increased up to tenfold prior to cell death. Fibrils were visible in the swollen walls. After cell death very little of the cell wall remained. Prior to and during visible wall swelling, vesicles (paramural bodies) were observed between the plasma membrane and the cell walls. The vesicles were also found in groups and were accompanied by amorphous substance. They usually showed a single membrane, and had a variety of diameters and electron densities. Cut Dendrobium hybrid cv. Lucky Duan flowers exhibited visible senescence about 14 days after full flower opening. Paramural bodies were also found in Dendrobium tepal epidermis and mesophyll cells, related to wall swelling and degradation. Although alternative explanations are well possible, it is hypothesized that paramural bodies carry enzymes involved in cell wall breakdown. The literature has not yet reported such bodies in association with senescence/PCD.

Expression of expansin genes in the pulp and the dehiscence zone of ripening durian (Durio zibethinus) fruit

Durian (Durio zibethinus) fruit was harvested at the commercially mature stage and stored at 25°C. Durian fruit have 3-5 longitudinal dehiscence zones (DZs) in the peel, which are up to 40cm long and 2cm thick in large fruit. Dehiscence started a week after harvest, was hastened by exogenous ethylene, and delayed by 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP), showing that it is regulated by endogenous ethylene. Three genes encoding α-expansins (DzEXP1-3) were isolated. In the expression of these genes increased, prior to dehiscence. Pulp firmness decreased during storage. The decrease was hastened by ethylene and delayed by 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP). Exogenous ethylene promoted gene expression of DzEXP1 both in the DZs and in the pulp. It had a smaller effect on DzEXP2 in the zones and pulp, but did not affect DzEXP3 expression. 1-MCP inhibited the expression of DzEXP1 and, somewhat less, of DzEXP2, but did not affect DzEXP3 expression, both in DZs and pulp. It is concluded that the close relationship between expression of DzEXP1 and DzEXP2 and both dehiscence and fruit softening suggests that these genes are involved in both processes.

Two abscission zones proximal to Lansium domesticum fruit: one more sensitive to exogenous ethylene than the other

Longkong (Lansium domesticum) fruit grows in bunches and is also sold as bunches. Individual fruit can separate from the bunch both before and after commercial harvest. The fruit has two separation sites. The first is located between bracts on the stem and the fused sepals (separation zone 1: SZ1) and the second between the fused sepals and the fruit (separation zone 2: SZ2). True abscission occurred at both zones. We investigated whether the two zones were active at different stages of development and if they were differentially sensitive to ethylene. Abscission occurred in the SZ1 in very young fruit (fruit still at the ovary stage), during early fruit development (5 weeks after full bloom; WAFB), and in ripe and overripe fruit (15-17 WAFB). Abscission did not spontaneously occur in the SZ2, but by the time the fruit was fully ripe, 15 WAFB, and later, a slight mechanical force was sufficient to break this zone. In fruit bunches severed from the tree at 5, 8, and 13 WAFB, break strength (BS) in SZ1 decreased much more after exogenous ethylene treatment than that in SZ2. Ethylene induced abscission in the SZ1, but not in SZ2. At 5, 8, and 13 WAFB, treatment with 1-methylcyclopropane (1-MCP; an inhibitor of ethylene perception) had a small effect on BS in the SZ1 and no effect in the SZ2. It is concluded that abscission in the SZ1 was much more sensitive to ethylene than that in the SZ2. In intact plants SZ1 reacts to endogenous ethylene, e.g., as a result of stress, while SZ2 apparently allows animals to remove the ripe fruit from the tree with minimal force.

Macroautophagy and microautophagy in relation to vacuole formation in mesophyll cells of Dendrobium tepals

Prior to flower opening, mesophyll cells at the vascular bundles of Dendrobium tepals showed a large increase in vacuolar volume, partially at the expense of the cytoplasm. Electron micrographs indicated that this increase in vacuolar volume was mainly due to vacuole fusion. Macroautophagous structures typical of plant cells were observed. Only a small part of the decrease in cytoplasmic volume seemed due to macroautophagy. The vacuoles contained vesicles of various types, including multilamellar bodies. It was not clear if these vacuolar inclusions were due to macroautophagy or microautophagy. Only a single structure was observed of a protruding vacuole, indicating microautophagy. It is concluded that macroautophagy occurs in these cells but its role in vacuole formation seems small, while a possible role of microautophagy in vacuole formation might be hypothesized. Careful labeling of organelle membranes seems required to advance our insight in plant macro- and microautophagy and their roles in vacuole formation.

Ethylene and pollination decrease transcript abundance of an ethylene receptor gene in Dendrobium petals

We studied the expression of a gene encoding an ethylene receptor, called Ethylene Response Sensor 1 (Den-ERS1), in the petals of Dendrobium orchid flowers. Transcripts accumulated during the young floral bud stage and declined by the time the flowers had been open for several days. Pollination or exposure to exogenous ethylene resulted in earlier flower senescence, an increase in ethylene production and a lower Den-ERS1 transcript abundance. Treatment with 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP), an inhibitor of the ethylene receptor, decreased ethylene production and resulted in high transcript abundance. The literature indicates two kinds of ethylene receptor genes with regard to the effects of ethylene. One group shows ethylene-induced down-regulated transcription, while the other has ethylene-induced up-regulation. The present gene is an example of the first group. The 5' flanking region showed binding sites for Myb and myb-like, homeodomain, MADS domain, NAC, TCP, bHLH and EIN3-like transcription factors. The binding site for the EIN3-like factor might explain the ethylene effect on transcription. A few other transcription factors (RAV1 and NAC) seem also related to ethylene effects.

Carotenoids in durian fruit pulp during growth and postharvest ripening

Durian (Durio zibethinus) cvs. Chanee and Monthong fruit were severed from the tree during 14 day intervals, from 10 weeks after anthesis until commercial maturity. We determined the pulp (i.e. aril; fruit flesh) carotenoid composition, together with pulp firmness, color and total soluble solids (TSS) and postharvest quality. In ripe cv. Chanee fruit the main carotenoids were β-carotene (about 80%), and α-carotene (20%), with minor levels of lutein and zeaxanthin. In ripe fruit total carotenoid concentration (expressed per gram FW) was about 9-fold higher in cv. Chanee than in cv. Monthong. Large differences between the cultivars were also found in β-carotene levels (about 11 times more in cv. Chanee), and even larger ones in those of α-carotene. Differences in lutein and zeaxanthin concentrations were small. Pulp color was deeper yellow in cv. Chanee than in cv. Monthong, which was correlated with α-carotene and β-carotene concentrations. Durian contains a high fat percentage, which is conducive to carotenoid uptake. It is concluded that it is advisable to consume cv. Chanee rather than cv. Monthong if intake of carotenoids is considered important.

Crystalloids in apparent autophagic plastids: remnants of plastids or peroxisomes?

Plant macroautophagy is carried out by autophagosome-type organelles. Recent evidence suggests that plastids also can carry out macroautophagy. The double membrane at the surface of plastids apparently invaginates, forming an intraplastidial space. This space contains a portion of cytoplasm that apparently becomes degraded. Here we report, in Tillandsia sp. and Aechmaea sp., the presence of almost square or diamond-shaped crystalloids inside what seems the intraplastidial space of autophagous plastids. The same type of crystalloids were observed in chloroplasts and other plastids, but were not found in the cytoplasm or the vacuole. Peroxisomes contained smaller and more irregularly shaped crystalloids compared to the ones observed in 'autophagous' plastids. It is hypothesized that plastids are able to sequester chloroplasts and other plastids.

Pollination increases ethylene production in Lilium hybrida cv. Brindisi flowers but does not affect the time to tepal senescence or tepal abscission

In many species, pollination induces a rapid increase in ethylene production, which induces early petal senescence, petal abscission, or flower closure. Cross-pollination in Lilium hybrida cv. Brindisi resulted in a small increase in flower ethylene production. In intact plants and in isolated flowers, pollination had no effect on the time to tepal senescence or tepal abscission. When applied to closed buds of unpollinated flowers, exogenous ethylene slightly hastened the time to tepal senescence and abscission. However, exogenous ethylene had no effect when the flowers had just opened, i.e. at the time of pollination. Experiments with silver thiosulphate, which blocks the ethylene receptor, indicated that endogenous ethylene had a slight effect on the regulation of tepal senescence and tepal abscission, although only at the time the tepals were still inside buds and not in open flowers. Low ethylene-sensitivity after anthesis therefore explains why pollination had no effect on the processes studied.

Lipid globules on the plastid surface in Iris tepal epidermis cells during tepal maturation and senescence

Epidermis cells in the outer tepals of Iris flowers (Iris×hollandica, cv. Blue Magic) start programmed cell death (PCD) prior to floral opening. The tepals show visible senescence symptoms three days after full opening. Visible senescence coincides with collapse (death) of the upper epidermis cells. In these cells, electron-dense particles (plastoglobuli), membranes, and oil bodies were observed in the plastid interior. Electron-dense globules similar to plastoglobuli, thus apparently mainly consisting of lipids, were found on the plastid surface, from before flower opening until cell death. Such electron-dense globules were also present in the cytosol. The size of some of the globules on the plastid surface increased with time. The globules are likely involved in transfer of lipidic/proteinaceous material from the plastid to the cytosol. As the plastids contained ample oil bodies, up to the time of cell death, cell death was likely not due to lack of reserves. Mitochondrial ultrastructure also remained the same until cell death. The role of mitochondria in PCD is discussed.

Pollinia-borne chemicals that induce early postpollination effects in Dendrobium flowers move rapidly into agar blocks and include ACC and compounds with auxin activity

The early visible effects of pollination in orchids are likely due to pollinia-borne chemicals. In Dendrobium we tested whether such compounds were water soluble and would diffuse in solid-aqueous phase, and determined both 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC) concentrations and auxin activity. Following pollination, the flower peduncle showed epinastic movement, followed by yellowing of the flower lip, flower senescence and ovary growth. Placing pollinia on agar blocks for 3, 6, 9 or 12h, prior to transferring them to the stigma, increased the time to these early postpollination effects or prevented them. Placing agar blocks that had been used for contact with the pollinia on the stigma also induced the early postpollination effects. The concentrations of ACC, the direct precursor of ethylene, in pollinia was lower the longer the pollinia had been in contact with the agar blocks, whilst the ACC content in the agar blocks increased with the period of contact. The auxin activity of the agar blocks also increased with the time of contact with pollinia. It is concluded that chemicals in the pollinia are responsible for the early visible postpollination effects, and that these (a) rapidly diffuse in aqueous media, and (b) comprise at least ACC and compounds with auxin activity. The idea is discussed that ACC plus auxin is adequate for the production of the early postpollination effects.

Flower opening and closure: an update

This review is an update of a 2003 review (Journal of Experimental Botany 54,1801-1812) by the same corresponding author. Many examples of flower opening have been recorded using time-lapse photography, showing its velocity and the required elongation growth. Ethylene regulates flower opening, together with at least gibberellins and auxin. Ethylene and gibberellic acid often promote and inhibit, respectively, the expression of DELLA genes and the stability of DELLA proteins. DELLA results in growth inhibition. Both hormones also inhibited and promoted, respectively, the expression of aquaporin genes required for cell elongation. Arabidopsis miRNA319a mutants exhibited narrow and short petals, whereby miRNA319a indirectly regulates auxin effects. Flower opening in roses was controlled by a NAC transcription factor, acting through miRNA164. The regulatory role of light and temperature, in interaction with the circadian clock, has been further elucidated. The end of the life span in many flowers is determined by floral closure. In some species pollination resulted in earlier closure of turgid flowers, compared with unpollinated flowers. It is hypothesized that this pollination-induced effect is only found in flowers in which closure is regulated by ethylene.

Length of the dark period affects flower opening and the expression of circadian-clock associated genes as well as xyloglucan endotransglucosylase/hydrolase genes in petals of morning glory (Ipomoea nil)

We isolated differentially expressed and dark-responsive genes during flower development and opening in petals of morning glory. Flower opening usually depends on petal expansion and is regulated by both genetic and environmental factors. Flower opening in morning glory (Ipomoea nil) is controlled by the dark/light regime just prior to opening. Opening was normal after 8- or 12-h dark periods but progressed very slowly after a 4-h dark period or in continuous light. Four genes (InXTH1-InXTH4) encoding xyloglucan endotransglucosylase/hydrolases (XTHs) and three genes (InEXPA1-InEXPA3) encoding alpha-expansins (EXPAs) were isolated. The expression patterns of InXTH2, InXTH3, and InXTH4 in petals were closely correlated with the rate of flower opening controlled by the length of the dark period prior to opening, but those of the EXPA genes were not. The expression pattern of InXTH1 gene was closely correlated with petal elongation. Suppression subtractive hybridization was used to isolate dark-responsive genes accompanying flower opening. The expressions of ten isolated genes were associated with the length of the dark period prior to flower opening. One gene was highly homologous to Arabidopsis pseudo-response regulator7, which is associated with the circadian clock and phytochrome signaling; another to Arabidopsis REVEILLE1, which affects the output of the circadian clock. Other genes were related to light responses, plant hormone effects and signal transduction. The possible roles of these genes in regulation of flower opening are discussed.

Classical macroautophagy in Lobivia rauschii (Cactaceae) and possible plastidial autophagy in Tillandsia albida (Bromeliaceae) tapetum cells

The tapetum in anthers is a tissue that undergoes programmed cell death (PCD) during the production of pollen. We observed two types of autophagy prior to cell death. In Lobivia rauschii (Cactaceae), tapetum cells showed plant-type autophagosomes-autolysosomes, which have been found previously exclusively in root meristem cells. The autophagic structures were formed by a network of tubules which apparently merged laterally, thereby sequestering a portion of the cytoplasm. The organelles observed in the sequestered material included multilamellar bodies, which have not been reported earlier in these organelles. By contrast, Tillandsia albida (Bromeliaceae) tapetum cells contained no such organelles but showed plastids that might possibly carry out autophagy, as they contained portions of the cytoplasm similar to the phenomenon reported earlier in Phaseolus and Dendrobium. However, the ultrastructure of the T. albida plastids was different from that in the previous reports. It is concluded that in L. rauschii classical plant macroautophagy was involved in degradation of the cytoplasm, while in T. albida such classical macroautophagy was not observed. Instead, the data in T. albida suggested the hypothesis that plastids are able to carry out degradation of the cytoplasm.

Expression of an AtNAP gene homolog in senescing morning glory (Ipomoea nil) petals of two cultivars with a different flower life span

AtNAP, a NAC family transcription factor, has been shown to promote leaf senescence in Arabidopsis. We isolated an AtNAP homolog in morning glory (Ipomoea nil), designated InNAP, and investigated its expression during petal senescence. We used two cultivars, one showing a normal short flower life span (cv. Peking Tendan) and another a longer life span (cv. Violet). InNAP was highly expressed in both cultivars. Expression was high before that of the senescence marker gene InSAG12. InNAP and InSAG12 expression was high in cv. Peking Tendan before cv. Violet. The expression of both genes was therefore temporally related to the onset of the visible senescence symptoms. An inhibitor of ethylene action (silver thiosulphate, STS) delayed petal senescence in cv. Peking Tendan but had no effect in cv. Violet. STS treatment had no clear effect on the InNAP expression in petals of both cultivars, suggesting that endogenous ethylene may not be necessary for its induction. These data suggest the hypothesis that InNAP plays a role in petal senescence, independent of the role of endogenous ethylene.

Amorphous areas in the cytoplasm of Dendrobium tepal cells: production through organelle degradation and destruction through macroautophagy?

In Dendrobium flowers some tepal mesophyll cells showed cytoplasmic areas devoid of large organelles. Such amorphous areas comprised up to about 40% of the cross-section of a cell. The areas were not bound by a membrane. The origin of these areas is not known. We show data suggesting that they can be formed from vesicle-like organelles. The data imply that these organelles and other material become degraded inside the cytoplasm. This can be regarded as a form of autophagy. The amorphous areas became surrounded by small vacuoles, vesicles or double membranes. These seemed to merge and thereby sequester the areas. Degradation of the amorphous areas therefore seemed to involve macroautophagy.

Delay of iris flower senescence by cytokinins and jasmonates

It is not known whether tepal senescence in Iris flowers is regulated by hormones. We applied hormones and hormone inhibitors to cut flowers and isolated tepals of Iris × hollandica cv. Blue Magic. Treatments with ethylene or ethylene antagonists indicated lack of ethylene involvement. Auxins or auxin inhibitors also did not change the time to senescence. Abscisic acid (ABA) hastened senescence, but an inhibitor of ABA synthesis (norflurazon) had no effect. Gibberellic acid (GA3 ) slightly delayed senescence in some experiments, but in other experiments it was without effect, and gibberellin inhibitors [ancymidol or 4-hydroxy-5-isopropyl-2-methylphenyltrimethyl ammonium chloride-1-piperidine carboxylate (AMO-1618)] were ineffective as well. Salicylic acid (SA) also had no effect. Ethylene, auxins, GA3 and SA affected flower opening, therefore did reach the flower cells. Jasmonates delayed senescence by about 2.0 days. Similarly, cytokinins delayed senescence by about 1.5-2.0 days. Antagonists of the phosphatidylinositol signal transduction pathway (lithium), calcium channels (niguldipine and verapamil), calmodulin action [fluphenazine, trifluoroperazine, phenoxybenzamide and N-(6-aminohexyl)-5-chloro-1-naphtalenesulfonamide hydrochloride (W-7)] or protein kinase activity [1-(5-isoquinolinesulfonyl)-2-methylpiperazine hydrochloride (H-7), N-[2-(methylamino)ethyl]-5-isoquinolinesulfonamide hydrochloride (H-8) and N-(2-aminoethyl)-5-isoquinolinesulfonamide dihydrochloride (H-9)] had no effect on senescence, indicating no role of a few common signal transduction pathways relating to hormone effects on senescence. The results indicate that tepal senescence in Iris cv. Blue Magic is not regulated by endogenous ethylene, auxin, gibberellins or SA. A role of ABA can at present not be excluded. The data suggest the hypothesis that cytokinins and jasmonates are among the natural regulators.

Opening of Iris flowers is regulated by endogenous auxins

Flower opening in Iris (Iris×hollandica) requires elongation of the pedicel and ovary. This moves the floral bud upwards, thereby allowing the tepals to move laterally. Flower opening is requires with elongation of the pedicel and ovary. In cv. Blue Magic, we investigated the possible role of hormones other than ethylene in pedicel and ovary elongation and flower opening. Exogenous salicylic acid (SA) and the cytokinins benzyladenine (N6-benzyladenine, BA) and zeatin did not affect opening. Jasmonic acid (JA) and abscisic acid (ABA) were slightly inhibitory, but an inhibitor of ABA synthesis (norflurazon) was without effect. Flower opening was promoted by gibberellic acid (GA(3)), but two inhibitors of gibberellin synthesis (4-hydroxy-5-isopropyl-2-methylphenyltrimethyl ammonium chloride-1-piperidine carboxylate, AMO-1618; ancymidol) did not change opening. The auxins indoleacetic acid (IAA) and naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) strongly promoted elongation and opening. An inhibitor of auxin transport (2,3,5-triodobenzoic acid, TIBA) and an inhibitor of auxin effects [α-(p-chlorophenoxy)-isobutyric acid; PCIB] inhibited elongation and opening. The data suggest that endogenous auxins are among the regulators of the pedicel and ovary elongation and thus of flower opening in Iris.

Endogenous ethylene does not regulate opening of unstressed Iris flowers but strongly inhibits it in water-stressed flowers

The floral buds of Iris flowers (Iris x hollandica) are enclosed by two sheath leaves. Flower opening depends on lifting the flower up to a position whereby the tepals can move laterally. This upward movement is carried out by elongation of the subtending pedicel and ovary. In the pedicels and ovaries of unstressed control flowers, the concentration of ACC (1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid) and the rate of ethylene production increased during d 0-1 of flower opening, and then decreased. Exposure to ≥200 nL L(-1) ethylene for 24 h at 20°C inhibited elongation of the pedicel+ovary, and inhibited flower opening. However, pulsing of unstressed flowers with solutions containing inhibitors of ethylene synthesis (AOA, AVG), or an inhibitor of ethylene action (STS), did not affect pedicel+ovary elongation or flower opening. When the flowers were dehydrated for 2 d at 20°C and 60% RH, they did not open when subsequently placed in water, and showed inhibited elongation in the pedicel+ovary. This dehydration treatment resulted in elevated pedicel+ovary ACC levels and in increased ethylene production. Treatment with STS prevented the increase in ACC levels and ethylene production, overcame the effect of dehydration on elongation of the pedicel+ovary, and resulted in full flower opening. It is concluded that flower opening in unstressed Iris flowers is not regulated by endogenous ethylene. An increase in endogenous ethylene above normal levels during stress, by contrast, strongly inhibited flower opening, due to its inhibitory effect on elongation of the pedicel+ovary.

Classes of programmed cell death in plants, compared to those in animals

Relatively little is known about programmed cell death (PCD) in plants. It is nonetheless suggested here that tonoplast rupture and the subsequent rapid destruction of the cytoplasm can distinguish two large PCD classes. One class, which is here called 'autolytic', shows this feature, whilst the second class (called 'non-autolytic') can include tonoplast rupture but does not show the rapid cytoplasm clearance. Examples of the 'autolytic' PCD class mainly occur during normal plant development and after mild abiotic stress. The 'non-autolytic' PCD class is mainly found during PCD that is due to plant-pathogen interactions. Three categories of PCD are currently recognized in animals: apoptosis, autophagy, and necrosis. An attempt is made to reconcile the recognized plant PCD classes with these groups. Apoptosis is apparently absent in plants. Autophagic PCD in animals is defined as being accompanied by an increase in the number of autophagosomes, autolysosomes, and small lytic vacuoles produced by autolysosomes. When very strictly adhering to this definition, there is no (proof for) autophagic PCD in plants. Upon a slightly more lenient definition, however, the 'autolytic' class of plant PCD can be merged with the autophagic PCD type in animal cells. The 'non-autolytic' class of plant PCD, as defined here, can be merged with necrotic PCD in animals.

Do mitochondria in Dendrobium petal mesophyll cells form vacuole-like vesicles?

Using transmission electron microscopy, we investigated the ultrastructure of mitochondria in petal mesophyll cells of the orchid Dendrobium cv. Lucky Duan, from the time of floral opening to visible petal senescence. Cells close to the vascular bundle contained many mitochondria, some of which showed internal degeneration. This inner mitochondrial breakdown was accompanied by an eightfold increase in mitochondrial volume. Small electron-dense granules (approximately 0.04 mum in diameter) at the periphery of the mitochondrial matrix remained. These granules were used as an indicator of still later stages of mitochondrial development in these cells. The apparent final stage of mitochondrial degeneration was a single-membrane-bound vesicle, resembling a vacuole. No evidence was found for the idea that mitochondria became transferred (intact or degenerated) into a lytic vacuole. Taken together, the data suggest the hypotheses that (a) mitochondria in cells close to the vascular bundle in petals of open Dendrobium cv. Lucky Duan flowers undergo large-scale internal degeneration and that (b) such degenerating mitochondria form vacuole-like vesicles.

Role of chloroplasts and other plastids in ageing and death of plants and animals: a tale of Vishnu and Shiva

Chloroplasts (chlorophyll-containing plastids) and other plastids are found in all plants and many animals. They are crucial to the survival of plants and most of the animals that harbour them. An example of a non-photosynthesizing plastid in animals is the apicoplast in the malaria-causing Plasmodium species, which is required for survival of the parasite. Many animals (such as sea slugs, sponges, reef corals, and clams) consume prey containing chloroplasts, or feed on algae. Some of these incorporate the chloroplasts from their food, or whole algal cells, into their own cells. Other species from these groups place algal cells between their own cells. Reef-building corals often lose their intracellular algae as a result of environmental changes, resulting in coral bleaching and death. The sensitivity of the chloroplast internal membranes to temperature stress is one of the reasons for coral death. Chloroplasts can also be a causal factor in the processes leading to whole-plant death, as the knockout of a gene encoding a chloroplast protein delayed the yellowing that proceeds death in tobacco plants. It is concluded that chloroplasts and other plastids are essential to individual survival in many species, including animals, and that they also play a role in triggering death in some plant and animal species.

A white mutant of Malay apple fruit (Syzygium malaccense) lacks transcript expression and activity for the last enzyme of anthocyanin synthesis, and the normal expression of a MYB transcription factor

The fruit skin of the mature Malay apple (Syzygium malaccense (L.) Merr. & L.M. Perry) is initially glossy red, then changes to purple. A mutant having mature fruits with white skin has been identified. The skin of wild-type fruit contained five glucose-based anthocyanins (cyanidin-3-O-glucoside, pelargonidin-3-O-glucoside, peonidin-3-O-glucoside, cyanidin-3,5-O-diglucoside and peonidin-3,5-O-diglucoside). Cyanidin-3-O-glucoside accounted for a large proportion of the total anthocyanin content. The accumulation cyanidin-3-O-glucoside during fruit maturation was correlated with increased activities of phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL) and UDPglucose:flavonoid 3-O-glucosyltransferase (UF3GlucT, F3GT). In the wild-type fruit skin, transcripts of seven genes that encode enzymes in the anthocyanin biosynthetic pathway were detected. No anthocyanins were found in the white mutant fruit skin. The skin of the white mutant fruit contained transcripts of all seven genes identified, except F3GT. It also showed no F3GT activity. The data indicate that the lack of anthocyanins in the mutant is due to lack of F3GT expression. In addition, the transcript of a MYB transcription factor, highly homologous to three Arabidopsis MYBs involved in anthocyanin synthesis, was virtually absent in the mutant but very high in the wild-type fruit. It is suggested that the lack of MYB expression is part of the cause of the lack of F3GT expression and anthocyanin synthesis during fruit maturation.

In vivo study of developmental programmed cell death using the lace plant (Aponogeton madagascariensis; Aponogetonaceae) leaf model system

Programmed cell death (PCD) is required for many morphological changes, but in plants it has been studied in much less detail than in animals. The unique structure and physiology of the lace plant (Aponogeton madagascariensis) is well suited for the in vivo study of developmental PCD. Live streaming video and quantitative analysis, coupled with transmission electron microscopy, were used to better understand the PCD sequence, with an emphasis on the chloroplasts. Dividing, dumbbell-shaped chloroplasts persisted until the late stages of PCD. However, the average size and number of chloroplasts, and the starch granules associated with them, declined steadily in a manner reminiscent of leaf senescence, but distinct from PCD described in the Zinnia tracheary element system. Remaining chloroplasts often formed a ring around the nucleus. Transvacuolar strands, which appeared to be associated with chloroplast transport, first increased and then decreased. Mitochondrial streaming ceased abruptly during the late stages of PCD, apparently due to tonoplast rupture. This rupture occurred shortly before the rapid degradation of the nucleus and plasma membrane collapse, in a manner also reminiscent of the Zinnia model. The presence of numerous objects in the vacuoles suggests increased macro-autophagy before cell death. These objects were rarely observed in cells not undergoing PCD.

Homologs of genes associated with programmed cell death in animal cells are differentially expressed during senescence of Ipomoea nil petals

In senescent petals of Ipomoea nil, we investigated the expression of genes showing homology to genes involved in animal programmed cell death (PCD). Three encoded proteins were homologous to apoptotic proteins in animals: Bax inhibitor-1 (BI-1), a vacuolar processing enzyme (VPE; homologous to caspases) and a monodehydroascorbate reductase [MDAR; homologous to apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF)]. AIFs harbor an oxidoreductase domain and an apoptotic domain. MDARs exhibit homology to the AIF oxidoreductase domain, not to the apoptotic domain. The three other genes studied relate to autophagy. They encode homologs to vacuolar protein sorting 34 (VPS34) and to the Arabidopsis autophagy-related proteins 4b and 8a (ATG4b and ATG8a). The transcript abundance of MDAR decreased continuously, whereas that of the other genes studies exhibited a transient increase, except ATG4b whose abundance stayed high after an increase. Treatment with ethylene advanced the time to visible petal senescence, and hastened the changes in expression of each of the genes studied. In order to assess the role of VPS34 in petal senescence, we studied the effect of its inhibitor 3-methyladenine (3-MA). 3-MA reduced the time to visible petal senescence, and also accelerated the time to DNA degradation. Remarkably, 3-MA increased the time to nuclear fragmentation, indicating that the time to visible petal senescence was independent of nuclear fragmentation. The data on 3-MA might suggest the idea that autophagy is not a cause of PCD, but part of the remobilization process.

The transcript abundance of an expansin gene in ripe sapodilla (Manilkara zapota) fruit is negatively regulated by ethylene

After harvest, mature fruit of sapodilla (Manilkara zapota van Royen) exhibit rapid softening. The decrease in fruit firmness was hastened by ethylene and delayed by 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP). Two genes encoding expansins (called MzEXP1 and MzEXP2) were isolated. In both cultivars studied (Makok-Yai and Kra-Suay), MzEXP1 was transiently expressed early during fruit development on the plant. This suggests that it is involved in cell wall loosening during early fruit growth. In cv. Makok-Yai, MzEXP2 was expressed between 1 day before harvest and day 4 after harvest. In cv. Kra-Suay, the expression of MzEXP2 started 8 weeks before the normal harvest stage, and ended on day 3 after harvest. When the fruit of both cultivars was treated with ethylene (50 µL L^-1 for 20 h at 25°C) just after harvest, the expression of MzEXP2 became undetectable. After treatment with 1-MCP MzEXP2 mRNA was highly abundant until day 5 after harvest, when in controls the transcript abundance had become undetectable. The onset of MzEXP2 expression seems not regulated by ethylene, as the concomitant ethylene levels are very low. The data strongly indicate that the decrease of MzEXP2 transcript abundance is due to ethylene production by the fruit, which is by then high. The expression of MzEXP2 ceased, both in controls and in ethylene-treated material, when the fruit had reached a rather low threshold firmness. The data suggest that the protein has a supporting and cooperative role in fruit softening.

Lack of visible post-pollination effects in pollen grains of two Dendrobium cultivars: relationship with pollinia ACC, pollen germination, and pollen tube growth

Dendrobium flowers, pollinated with pollinia from individuals of the same cultivar or other cultivars, usually show rapid post-pollination effects such as floral epinasty, a change in flower colour and early perianth senescence. However, pollination with the pollinia of cv. Karen or cv. Kenny flowers did not produce these effects. We compared these two cultivars with cvv. Pompadour, Willie and Sakura, and tested the hypotheses that the differences were related to levels of 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC) in the pollinia, ethylene production by the pollinated flower, pollen germination, or pollen tube growth. The pollinia of cvv. Karen and Kenny contained as much ACC as the pollinia of cv. Pompadour, but less than the pollinia of cvv. Willie and Sakura. Ethylene production after pollination with cvv. Karen and Kenny pollinia was much lower than after pollination with pollinia from the other cultivars tested. The pollen grains showed normal germination, but cvv. Karen and Kenny pollen grains exhibited much less tube growth than those of the other cultivars. Pollen tube growth in cv. Pompadour was positively affected by ethylene. Ethylene was required and sufficient for the induction of epinasty, rapid perianth colour changes and early perianth senescence, very similar to the changes after pollination. The absence of these effects after pollination with cvv. Kenny and Karen seems to be due to the low ethylene production induced by the pollinia of these cultivars. This low ethylene production could not be accounted for by the ACC content in the pollinia of cvv. Kenny and Karen.

Physiology and molecular biology of petal senescence

Petal senescence is reviewed, with the main emphasis on gene expression in relation to physiological functions. Autophagy seems to be the major mechanism for large-scale degradation of macromolecules, but it is still unclear if it contributes to cell death. Depending on the species, petal senescence is controlled by ethylene or is independent of this hormone. EIN3-like (EIL) transcription factors are crucial in ethylene-regulated senescence. The presence of adequate sugar levels in the cell delays senescence and prevents an increase in the levels of EIL mRNA and the subsequent up-regulation of numerous senescence-associated genes. A range of other transcription factors and regulators are differentially expressed in ethylene-sensitive and ethylene-insensitive petal senescence. Ethylene-independent senescence is often delayed by cytokinins, but it is still unknown whether these are natural regulators. A role for caspase-like enzymes or metacaspases has as yet not been established in petal senescence, and a role for proteins released by organelles such as the mitochondrion has not been shown. The synthesis of sugars, amino acids, and fatty acids, and the degradation of nucleic acids, proteins, lipids, fatty acids, and cell wall components are discussed. It is claimed that there is not enough experimental support for the widely held view that a gradual increase in cell leakiness, resulting from gradual plasma membrane degradation, is an important event in petal senescence. Rather, rupture of the vacuolar membrane and subsequent rapid, complete degradation of the plasma membrane seems to occur. This review recommends that more detailed analysis be carried out at the level of cells and organelles rather than at that of whole petals.

Is the onset of senescence in leaf cells of intact plants due to low or high sugar levels?

This review examines the hypotheses that developmental programmed cell death in leaves is mediated (i) by sugar starvation in the leaf cells or (ii) by sugar accumulation in these cells. Experimental evidence for both hypotheses is critically discussed and found to be lacking. For example, some papers show that sugars prevent senescence of cut leaves placed in darkness, and prevent low sugar levels in the leaves. In these tests, the sugars seem to replace photosynthesis, hence the results have little relevance to leaf senescence in intact plants in the light. Low nitrogen nutrition and high light results in earlier senescence than the low nitrogen treatment alone. This is accompanied by high sugar levels in the leaves. The results have led to the idea that accumulation of sugars is the cause of the additional effect, or more generally, that sugar accumulation is always the direct cause of leaf senescence. Results from over-expressing, or knocking out, hexokinase genes tend to support the high sugar hypothesis, but pleiotropic effects confound this conclusion. In addition, several experiments show the effects of treatments on senescence without the increase in leaf sugar levels. Nonetheless, sugar levels are usually measured in whole leaves. Such an overall level does not reflect the differences in the onset of senescence between tissues and cells, and can therefore not be used as an argument for or against either of the two hypotheses. It is argued that future work should determine the time line of the concentrations of various sugars in various cells and cellular compartments, in relation to senescence processes in the same cells. Taken together, the data are not decisive. It is possible that neither of the two hypotheses is correct.

Endogenous auxin regulates the sensitivity of Dendrobium (cv. Miss Teen) flower pedicel abscission to ethylene

Dendrobium flower buds and flowers have an abscission zone at the base of the pedicel (flower stalk). Ethylene treatment of cv. Miss Teen inflorescences induced high rates of abscission in flower buds but did not affect abscission once the flowers had opened. It is not known if auxin is a regulator of the abscission of floral buds and open flowers. The hypotheses that auxin is such a regulator and is responsible for the decrease in ethylene sensitivity were tested. Severed inflorescences bearing 4-8 floral buds and 4-6 open flowers were used in all tests. The auxin antagonists 2,3,5-triiodobenzoic acid (TIBA, an inhibitor of auxin transport) or 2-(4-chlorophenoxy)-2-methyl propionic acid (CMPA, an inhibitor of auxin action) were applied to the stigma of open flowers. Both chemicals induced high flower abscission rates, even if the inflorescences were not treated with ethylene. The effects of these auxin antagonists virtually disappeared when the inflorescences were treated with 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP), indicating that the abscission induced by the auxin antagonists was due to ethylene. Removal of the open flowers at the distal end of the pedicel hastened the time to abscission of the remaining pedicel, and also resulted in an increase in ethylene sensitivity. Indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) in lanolin, placed on the cut surface of the pedicel, replaced the effect of the removed flower. Treatments that promoted abscission of open flowers up-regulated a gene encoding a β-1,4-glucanase (Den-Cel1) in the abscission zone (AZ). The abundance of Den-Cel1 mRNA was highly correlated with β-1,4-glucanase activity in the AZ. The results show that auxin is an endogenous regulator of floral bud and flower abscission and suggest that auxin might explain, at least partially, why pedicel abscission of Dendrobium cv. Miss Teen changes from very ethylene-sensitive to ethylene-insensitive.

Relationship between petal abscission and programmed cell death in Prunus yedoensis and Delphinium belladonna

Depending on the species, the end of flower life span is characterized by petal wilting or by abscission of petals that are still fully turgid. Wilting at the end of petal life is due to programmed cell death (PCD). It is not known whether the abscission of turgid petals is preceded by PCD. We studied some parameters that indicate PCD: chromatin condensation, a decrease in nuclear diameter, DNA fragmentation, and DNA content per nucleus, using Prunus yedoensis and Delphinium belladonna which both show abscission of turgid petals at the end of floral life. No DNA degradation, no chromatin condensation, and no change in nuclear volume was observed in P. yedoensis petals, prior to abscission. In abscising D. belladonna petals, in contrast, considerable DNA degradation was found, chromatin was condensed and the nuclear volume considerably reduced. Following abscission, the nuclear area in both species drastically increased, and the chromatin became unevenly distributed. Similar chromatin changes were observed after dehydration (24 h at 60 degrees C) of petals severed at the time of flower opening, and in dehydrated petals of Ipomoea nil and Petunia hybrida, severed at the time of flower opening. In these flowers the petal life span is terminated by wilting rather than abscission. It is concluded that the abscission of turgid petals in D. belladonna was preceded by a number of PCD indicators, whereas no such evidence for PCD was found at the time of P. yedoensis petal abscission. Dehydration of the petal cells, after abscission, was associated with a remarkable nuclear morphology which was also found in younger petals subjected to dehydration. This nuclear morphology has apparently not been described previously, for any organism.

Gene expression in opening and senescing petals of morning glory (Ipomoea nil) flowers

We isolated several senescence-associated genes (SAGs) from the petals of morning glory (Ipomoea nil) flowers, with the aim of furthering our understanding of programmed cell death. Samples were taken from the closed bud stage to advanced visible senescence. Actinomycin D, an inhibitor of transcription, if given prior to 4 h after opening, suppressed the onset of visible senescence, which occurred at about 9 h after flower opening. The isolated genes all showed upregulation. Two cell-wall related genes were upregulated early, one encoding an extensin and one a caffeoyl-CoA-3-O-methyltransferase, involved in lignin production. A pectinacetylesterase was upregulated after flower opening and might be involved in cell-wall degradation. Some identified genes showed high homology with published SAGs possibly involved in remobilisation processes: an alcohol dehydrogenase and three cysteine proteases. One transcript encoded a leucine-rich repeat receptor protein kinase, putatively involved in signal transduction. Another transcript encoded a 14-3-3 protein, also a protein kinase. Two genes have apparently not been associated previously with senescence: the first encoded a putative SEC14, which is required for Golgi vesicle transport, the second was a putative ataxin-2, which has been related to RNA metabolism. Induction of the latter has been shown to result in cell death in yeast, due to defects in actin filament formation. The possible roles of these genes in programmed cell death are discussed.

Sucrose prevents up-regulation of senescence-associated genes in carnation petals

cDNA microarrays were used to characterize senescence-associated gene expression in petals of cut carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus) flowers, sampled from anthesis to the first senescence symptoms. The population of PCR fragments spotted on these microarrays was enriched for flower-specific and senescence-specific genes, using subtractive hybridization. About 90% of the transcripts showed a large increase in quantity, approximately 25% transiently, and about 65% throughout the 7 d experiment. Treatment with silver thiosulphate (STS), which blocks the ethylene receptor and prevented the normal senescence symptoms, prevented the up-regulation of almost all of these genes. Sucrose treatment also considerably delayed visible senescence. Its effect on gene expression was very similar to that of STS, suggesting that soluble sugars act as a repressor of ethylene signal transduction. Two fragments that encoded a carnation EIN3-like (EIL) protein were isolated, some of which are key transcription factors that control ethylene response genes. One of these (Dc-EIL3) was up-regulated during senescence. Its up-regulation was delayed by STS and prevented by sucrose. Sucrose, therefore, seems to repress ethylene signalling, in part, by preventing up-regulation of Dc-EIL3. Some other transcription factors displayed an early increase in transcript abundance: a MYB-like DNA binding protein, a MYC protein, a MADS-box factor, and a zinc finger protein. Genes suggesting a role in senescence of hormones other than ethylene encoded an Aux/IAA protein, which regulate transcription of auxin-induced genes, and a cytokinin oxidase/dehydrogenase, which degrades cytokinin. Taken together, the results suggest a master switch during senescence, controlling the co-ordinated up-regulation of numerous ethylene response genes. Dc-EIL3 might be (part of) this master switch.

Corrigendum to: Auxin is required for pollination-induced ovary growth in Dendrobium orchids

In Dendrobium and other orchids the ovule becomes mature long after pollination, whereas the ovary starts growing within two days of pollination. The signalling pathway that induces rapid ovary growth after pollination has remained elusive. We placed the auxin antagonist ±-(p-chlorophenoxy) isobutyric acid (PCIB) or the auxin transport inhibitor 2,3,5-triiodobenzoic acid (TIBA) on the stigma, before pollination. Both treatments nullified pollination-induced ovary growth. The ovaries also did not grow after similar stigma treatment with 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP), AgNO₃ (both inhibitors of ethylene action), aminooxyacetic acid (AOA) or CoCl₂ (which both inhibit ethylene synthesis), before pollination. Pollination could be replaced by placement of the auxin naphthylacetic acid (NAA) on the stigma. All mentioned inhibitors nullified the effect of NAA, indicating that if auxin is the initiator of ovary growth, it acts through ethylene. The results suggest that the pollination effect on ovary growth requires auxin (at least auxin transport and maybe also auxin signalling), and both ethylene synthesis and ethylene action.

Auxin is required for pollination-induced ovary growth in Dendrobium orchids

In Dendrobium and other orchids the ovule becomes mature long after pollination, whereas the ovary starts growing within two days of pollination. The signalling pathway that induces rapid ovary growth after pollination has remained elusive. We placed the auxin antagonist α-(p-chlorophenoxy) isobutyric acid (PCIB) or the auxin transport inhibitor 2,3,5-triiodobenzoic acid (TIBA) on the stigma, before pollination. Both treatments nullified pollination-induced ovary growth. The ovaries also did not grow after similar stigma treatment with 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP), AgNO₃ (both inhibitors of ethylene action), aminooxyacetic acid (AOA) or CoCl₂ (which both inhibit ethylene synthesis), before pollination. Pollination could be replaced by placement of the auxin naphthylacetic acid (NAA) on the stigma. All mentioned inhibitors nullified the effect of NAA, indicating that if auxin is the initiator of ovary growth, it acts through ethylene. The results suggest that the pollination effect on ovary growth requires auxin (at least auxin transport and maybe also auxin signalling), and both ethylene synthesis and ethylene action.