Abstract
Leaf senescence constitutes a highly regulated final phase of leaf development, leading to cell death that is recognized as a type of programmed cell death (PCD). Degradation of nuclear DNA into oligonucleosomal fragments (DNA ladder) and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay are methods commonly used to detect PCD-specific DNA cleavage. TUNEL reaction in situ labels free 3'-OH DNA strand breaks (nicks), thus allowing histological localization of nuclear DNA degradation during PCD. Here we describe in situ labeling of PCD-specific nuclear DNA fragmentation on conventional histological sections of senescing tobacco leaves. Incorporation of fluorescein-labeled dUTPs is detected by fluorescence microscopy, which enables in situ visualization of PCD at the single-cell level in the leaf mesophyll tissues undergoing senescence.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
