“A class of maize mutants, collectively known as disease lesion mimics, display discrete disease-like symptoms in the absence of pathogens. It is intriguing that a majority of these lesion mimics behave as dominant gain-of-function mutations. The production of lesions is strongly influenced by light, temperature, developmental state and genetic background. Presently, the biological significance of this lesion mimicry is not clear, although suggestions have been made that they may represent defects in the plants’ recognition of, or response to, pathogens. ... In this paper we argue that this might be the case ...”

- G.S. Johal, S.H. Hulbert, and S.P. Briggs. 1995. “Disease lesion mimics of maize: a model for cell death in plants.” BioEssays 17:685-692.