A Computer Graphics Program for the Three‐dimensional Reconstruction of Plant Organs From Serial Sections

Abstract

Morphological and anatomical studies have long utilized qualitative means to reconstruct 3‐dimensional transparent images from serial sections. With the advent of computer graphics systems, more accurate images can be constructed to visualize growing plant parts in transparent 3‐D. We have developed a computer program which allows such reconstruction from stained serial sections. Advantages include 3‐dimensional imaging without the use of stereo pairs and the ability to rotate an image to see all angles.

Breeding System in Ficus carica, the Common Fig. II. Pollination Events

“…The path of pollen tubes from stigma to micropyle was reconstructed using 2 micron-thick serial cross sections of a pollinated, long-styled flower. A computer-facilitated three-dimensional reconstruction was created from drawings made with a Zeiss camera lucida (Delozier et al, 1987). Photographs were taken from the screen display with Kodachrome 100 print film.…”

Computer Program for Three‐dimensional Reconstructions and Numerical Analyses of Plant Organs From Serial Sections

“…The program provides a numerical analysis of perimeter length and transverse areaof eachanatomical feature designated in a cross section, as well as surface area and volume computations for features that pass from one section to another. In addition to rotating and tiltingthe 3-D reconstruction in any desired orientation, the program has editing capabilities which allow different combinations of anatomical features to be shown in neutral gray outline or interconnected by colored lines.COMPUTER GRAPHICS represents a convenient tool for rendering conventional serial sections in three-dimensions (Delozier et al, 1987). In…”

“…COMPUTER GRAPHICS represents a convenient tool for rendering conventional serial sections in three-dimensions (Delozier et al, 1987). In…”