Menadione-induced apoptosis and its mechanism in plants

Menadione can induce apoptosis in tobacco protoplasts. Typical characteristics are detected including the condensation of chromatin, the formation of apoptotic bodies and the degradation of genomic DNA into “DNA ladder”. Specific DNase is activated during this process. Ca2+ and Mg2+ are necessary for its activation, while Zn2+ and EDTA (Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid) can inhibit its activation. The fragmentation of DNA and lamin can be inhibited by DEVD (Ac-Asp -Glu- Val- Asp-aldehyde). The fragmentation of lamin can also be inhibited by PMSF (Phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride) and CH (Cyclohexinide). These results show that activation of specific DNase and proteases is involved in menadion-induced apoptosis in plants.