Control of programmed cell death during plant reproductive development

Programmed cell death (PCD) is an actively controlled, genetically encoded self-destruct mechanism of the cell. While many forms of PCD have been described and molecularly dissected in animals, we know to date only little about the control of PCD processes in plants. Nevertheless, plant PCD is a crucial component of a plant’s reaction to its biotic and abiotic environment and a central theme during plant development. In this chapter, we review the communication events triggering and executing, or preventing, PCD during plant reproductive development. These comprise intracellular communication, as well as signaling between cells and tissues, and the intricate communication between genetically distinct individuals that are necessary for successful plant reproduction.Programmed cell death (PCD) is an actively controlled, genetically encoded self-destruct mechanism of the cell. While many forms of PCD have been described and molecularly dissected in animals, we know to date only little about the control of PCD processes in plants. Nevertheless, plant PCD is a crucial component of a plant’s reaction to its biotic and abiotic environment and a central theme during plant development. In this chapter, we review the communication events triggering and executing, or preventing, PCD during plant reproductive development. These comprise intracellular communication, as well as signaling between cells and tissues, and the intricate communication between genetically distinct individuals that are necessary for successful plant reproduction.B