Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 19, 2026
A Simple Method for Imaging Arabidopsis Leaves Using Perfluorodecalin as an Infiltrative Imaging Medium
Published on: January 16, 2012
Algae to angiosperms: Autofluorescence for rapid visualization of plant anatomy among diverse taxa
Timothy J Pegg1,2, Daniel K Gladish1,2, Robert L Baker1,2
1Department of Biology Miami University Oxford Ohio 45056 USA.
Premise:
Fluorescence microscopy is an effective tool for viewing plant internal anatomy. However, using fluorescent antibodies or labels hinders throughput. We present a minimal protocol that takes advantage of inherent autofluorescence and aldehyde-induced fluorescence in plant cellular and subcellular structures to markedly increase throughput in cellular and ultrastructural visualization.
Methods And Results:
Twelve species distributed across the plant phylogeny were each subjected to five fixative treatments: 1% paraformaldehyde and 2% glutaraldehyde, 2% paraformaldehyde, 2% glutaraldehyde, formalin-acid-alcohol (FAA), and 70% ethanol. Samples were prepared by embedding and mechanically sectioning or via whole mount. A confocal laser scanning system was used to collect micrographs. We evaluated and compared fixative influence on sample structural preservation and tissue autofluorescence.
Conclusions:
Formaldehyde fixation of Viridiplantae taxa samples generates useful structural data while requiring no additional histological staining or clearing. In addition, a fluorescence-capable microscope is the only specialized equipment required for image acquisition. The minimal protocol developed in this experiment enables high-throughput sample processing by eliminating the need for multi-day preparations.
