A Simple Dry Sectioning Method for Obtaining Whole-Seed-Sized Resin Section and Its Applications

Area of Science:

• Plant biology
• Microscopy techniques
• Seed science

Background:

• Seed morphology, size, and quantity of cells, starch granules, and protein bodies influence seed weight and quality.
• Existing sectioning methods (paraffin and routine resin) have limitations in resolving and quantitatively analyzing these components in whole-seed sections, especially for large, high-starch seeds.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a simple dry sectioning method for preparing whole-seed-sized resin sections.
• To enable clear visualization and accurate quantitative analysis of cellular and storage material morphology in seeds.

Main Methods:

• A novel dry sectioning technique using LR White resin for embedding seeds.
• Preparation of cross and longitudinal whole-seed-sized sections from various seed types (developing, mature, germinated, cooked) and sizes.
• Staining whole-seed sections with fluorescent brightener 28, iodine, and Coomassie brilliant blue R250 for specific visualization.

Main Results:

• Successfully prepared whole-seed-sized resin sections from diverse seed types, including large, high-starch mature seeds.
• Achieved clear, high-resolution visualization of cells, starch granules, and protein bodies using specific stains.
• Enabled quantitative analysis of morphology parameters across different seed regions.

Conclusions:

• The developed dry sectioning method is effective for preparing high-quality whole-seed resin sections.
• This technique facilitates detailed morphological and quantitative analysis of seed components, crucial for understanding seed quality and weight determination.