by the DNA damage checkpoint kinase ATM. ATM has a major role in controlling germination of aged seeds by integrating progression through germination with the repair response to DNA damages accumulated during the dry quiescent state. See also Ageing Senescence DNA damage theory of aging References Special issue about plant senescence in Plant Biology volume 10 issue s1 External links The Adaptive Reasons For And The Physiological Causes Of Senescence In Annual Plants The Start at a General Theory of Plant Senescence Plant physiology Senescence in non-human organisms