A novel method for in situ detection of apoptotic cell death in plants

A simple novel protocol suitable forin situ detection of apoptotic plant cell death is presented. This protocol combines the chromosome spreading technique with an extendedin situ end labeling version for plants and makes it possible to detect apoptosis directly at chromosome, nuclear and DNA levels simultaneously with high-sensitivity. False positive and nonspecific signals can be efficiently avoided. Moreover, the changes of chromosomes, nuclei and DNA during the process of apoptosis can be characterizedin situ. To illustrate this method, salt stress-induced cell death has been investigated in maize root meristematic cells.