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Updated: May 6, 2026
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Confocal Live Imaging of Shoot Apical Meristems from Different Plant Species
Published on: March 29, 2019
12.3K
Time-lapse imaging of developing meristems using confocal laser scanning microscope
Olivier Hamant1, Pradeep Das, Agata Burian
1Laboratoire de Reproduction et Développement des Plantes, INRA, CNRS, ENS, UCB Lyon 1, and Laboratoire Joliot Curie, CNRS, ENS, Université de Lyon, Lyon, France.
Methods in Molecular Biology (Clifton, N.J.)
|October 18, 2013
Summary
This study details a method for preparing plant shoot apices for live imaging. The technique uses confocal microscopy to observe meristem cell dynamics and shape changes in Arabidopsis and tomato over time.
Area of Science:
- Plant Biology
- Developmental Biology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Shoot meristem shape and gene expression have been studied for decades.
- Live imaging advances have improved understanding of meristematic cell biology and the mechanisms driving tissue shape changes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a detailed protocol for preparing shoot apices for time-lapse imaging.
- To enable detailed observation of meristematic cell dynamics and tissue morphogenesis.
Main Methods:
- Preparation of shoot apices from Arabidopsis and tomato.
- Time-lapse imaging using confocal microscopy with a long-distance water-dipping lens.
Main Results:
- The protocol allows for detailed observation of shoot apex development over time.
- Facilitates the study of molecular and biophysical mechanisms underlying meristem shape changes.
Conclusions:
- This method provides a valuable tool for researchers studying plant development and meristem dynamics.
- Enhances the ability to investigate the intricate processes governing plant growth and form.
