PCD hallmarks in cell suspension cultures of white poplar (Populus alba L., cv. “Villafranca”) challenged with cadmium

Abstract

The response to oxidative stress was investigated in suspension cultures of Populus alba L. “Villafranca” exposed to cadmium. Cell death was demonstrated by Evans Blue staining. Although DNA laddering was not detected, the nuclear morphology evaluated by DAPI revealed irregularly stained granular nuclei derived from chromatin condensation, a programmed cell death hallmark.

Keywords:

• Poplar
• programmed cell death
• oxidative stress
• cell suspension culture

Acknowledgements

This research was supported by a grant from Ministero dell'Università e della Ricerca Scientifica (PRIN2005). We would like to thank Marianna Paulis for assistance with microscopic analyses.