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Updated: Jan 24, 2026
11:18
Use of Atomic Force Microscopy to Measure Mechanical Properties and Turgor Pressure of Plant Cells and Plant Tissues
Published on: July 15, 2019
12.2K
Cellular Force Microscopy to Measure Mechanical Forces in Plant Cells
Mateusz Majda1, Aleksandra Sapala1,2, Anne-Lise Routier-Kierzkowska1,3
1Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research, Cologne, Germany.
Methods in Molecular Biology (Clifton, N.J.)
|June 1, 2019
Summary
Cellular Force Microscopy (CFM) measures plant cell stiffness noninvasively. This technique allows for precise mechanical stimulation and even cell ablation in living plant tissues.
Area of Science:
- Plant Biology
- Biophysics
- Microscopy
Background:
- Plant cell mechanics are crucial for growth and development.
- Existing methods may not be suitable for in vivo measurements on whole organs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce and describe Cellular Force Microscopy (CFM) as a method for measuring plant cell stiffness.
- To highlight the capabilities of CFM for dynamic mechanical studies and cell manipulation.
Main Methods:
- Cellular Force Microscopy (CFM) utilizes microindentation with larger scales of movement and force ranges than Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM).
- CFM employs various sensor technologies and probe designs for tailored measurements.
- Experiments allow for precise control of indentation depth, force, and timing on living samples.
Main Results:
- CFM enables noninvasive, in vivo measurement of plant cell stiffness in whole organs.
- The technique facilitates long-term studies of mechanical processes in living cells.
- CFM allows for precise mechanical stimulation and, with high forces, mechanical ablation of cells.
Conclusions:
- CFM is a versatile and powerful tool for investigating plant cell mechanics.
- Its ability to perform dynamic measurements and cell manipulation opens new avenues for research in plant biomechanics.
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