Programmed cell death in salt glands of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Tamarix aphylla</Emphasis> L.: an electron microscope analysis

Background  

Tamarix aphylla is a halophyte growing in soils rich in NaCl. Leaves of Tamarix aphylla develop numerous salt glands, which initiate, secrete NaCl, become senescent and eventually die, as part of a programmed process. Dead glands are replaced by new ones, so that only active glands exist on the leaves. Most importantly, these glands remove excess NaCl from the tissues, which protects against hyperosmotic phenomena.