Apoptosis Post-Reproduction

Post-reproduction, plants use apoptosis to senescence, or the programmed death of certain cells, organs, or the entire plant. Cells, organs, and plants are genetically programmed to die on a schedule. They do not simply, "shut down", and die. During apoptosis, newly formed enzymes would breakdown many chemical components that include: chlorophyll, DNA, RNA, proteins, and membrane lipids. The plant would salvage many of the products from the breakdown. A burst of a hormone, typically ethylene, is usually prevalent with apoptosis during senescence.