The estimation of cell death in suspension cultures evoked by phytotoxic compounds: Differences among techniques

We have presented data evaluating and comparing three rapid methods of estimating phytotoxicity (precursor incorporation into macromolecules, membrane permeability to fluorescein and reduction of triphenyltetrazolium chloride) with three slower methods of estimating growth (packed volume, dry wt. and cell number). We have described the advantages and drawbacks of each technique, as well as cases of a specific sensitivity of a particular technique to some toxic compounds. Despite all the differences, there was an overall correlation among all the techniques and the choice of technique depends on a desire to assay for a particular type of toxicity. As with other biological systems, these data demonstrate the problems in establishing both the time as well as the occurrence of death.