A comparative investigation of techniques for the preparation of soft botanical tissue for the scanning electron microscope has been carried out using the leaves and petals of Pelargonium zonale as test specimens. Twelve different preparative procedures involving combinations of fixation, dehydration, air drying, freeze drying, critical point drying, coating methods, replicas and a temperature controlled specimen stage were tested.
Summary
The scanning electron microscope (SEM) has been used to examine the structure of a wide range of different plant cuticles. The extent to which wax deposits may be damaged by mechanical abrasion in the preparative stage and by the electron probe during the scanning processes has been investigated. Techniques have been developed for the examination of the constitution of complex wax deposits and in particular of their underlying structure. Methods of preparation of isolated cuticular membranes for study by scanning electron microscopy are described. The value of wet mounting for membranes which are subject to shrinkage during drying is discussed.
SUMMARY
A technique is described in which the scanning electron microscope (SEM) has been used to study the internal cellular organization of the plant organs and the interaction of the plant with the environment. Transverse surfaces were revealed by fracturing quick frozen specimens and freeze‐drying the fragments. The greater depth of focus of the SEM compared with the optical microscope enabled the production of clear, realistic micrographs with a three‐dimensional appearance.
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