The natural compound benzoxazolin-2(3H)-one selectively retards cell cycle in lettuce root meristems.

Benzoxazolin-2(3H)-one (BOA) is a natural plant product that is phytotoxic to target plant species, inhibiting germination and growth and causing oxidative damage. We investigated its effects on the root meristems of seedlings of lettuce (Lactuca sativa) by means of light and transmission electron microscopy, flow cytometry, and conventional determination of mitotic index. Flow cytometry analyses and mitotic index showed a retard of cell cycle in BOA-treated meristems with selective activity at G2/M checkpoint.