Monoterpenoids, Potent Inducers of Apoptosis in the Cells of <i>Marchantia polymorpha</i>

Abstract

Abstract The cultured cells of Marchantia polymorpha suffered apoptosis when treated with monoterpenoids, e.g. bornyl acetate. When the apoptosis occurred, the cultured cells of M. polymorpha produced H2O2, which takes part in a defense reaction. The inhibitors of oxidizing agents, such as cysteine and N-acetylcysteine, had an apparent effect on monoterpenoid-induced apoptosis. These results showed that monoterpenoid-induced apoptosis occurs via the production of active oxygen species, e.g. H2O2.