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Using High Resolution Computed Tomography to Visualize the Three Dimensional Structure and Function of Plant Vasculature

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Imaging cell wall architecture in single Zinnia elegans tracheary elements.

Catherine I Lacayo¹, Alexander J Malkin, Hoi-Ying N Holman

¹Physical and Life Sciences Directorate, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, California 94550, USA.

Plant Physiology

|July 2, 2010

Summary

This study reveals the three-layered plant cell wall structure in Zinnia elegans tracheary elements. Understanding this organization aids lignocellulosic biofuel production research.

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Area of Science:

Plant Biology
Biochemistry
Materials Science

Background:

Plant cell walls provide structural support and protection.
Zinnia elegans tracheary elements (TEs) develop prominent secondary wall thickenings during xylogenesis.
Understanding TE cell wall structure is crucial for plant development and biofuel applications.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the chemical and structural organization of Zinnia elegans TEs.
To develop an architectural model of the Zinnia TE cell wall.
To assess the potential of Zinnia TEs in lignocellulosic biofuel production.

Main Methods:

Fluorescence microscopy with cellulose-binding modules.
Synchrotron radiation-based Fourier-transform infrared (SR-FTIR) spectromicroscopy.
Atomic force microscopy (AFM).

Main Results:

Acidified chlorite treatment increased cellulose accessibility in TEs.
Chemical analysis showed loss of lignin and some polysaccharides after treatment.
AFM revealed a granular outer matrix, a fibrillar primary wall, and parallel fibrils in secondary thickenings.
An architectural model of the three-layered TE cell wall was proposed.

Conclusions:

Zinnia TEs possess a distinct three-layered cell wall structure: granular outer layer, fibrillar primary wall, and parallel-fibril secondary wall.
The detailed structural insights contribute to fundamental plant biology.
Zinnia TEs are a valuable model for studying cell wall degradation, relevant to biofuel production.