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Chemical Probes for Functional Plant Imaging.
Maarten Besten1, Anna Daamen1, Matyás Fendrych2,3
1Laboratory of Biochemistry, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands;
Annual Review of Plant Biology
|March 3, 2026
Summary
Chemical fluorescent probes offer advanced live functional imaging in plants, revealing molecular mechanisms without genetic modification. This technology enhances our understanding of plant cell biology and its complex processes.
Area of Science:
- Plant Biology
- Molecular Biology
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Spatial and quantitative biology advances understanding of plant molecular mechanisms.
- Live functional imaging is crucial for mapping cellular cues and dynamics in plants.
- Chemical fluorescent probes enable plant functional imaging without genetic manipulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review progress in live functional imaging of plants using chemical fluorescent probes.
- To explain probe mechanisms, limitations, and applications in plant cell biology.
- To outline future developments and challenges in plant functional imaging.
Main Methods:
- Review of chemical fluorescent probe development and application in live plant imaging.
- Explanation of probe sensing, targeting, and reporting mechanisms.
- Case studies illustrating the utility of probes in plant research.
Main Results:
- Chemical fluorescent probes provide high-resolution spatial and quantitative mapping of plant cellular functions.
- These probes allow functional imaging without the need for genetic modification of plants.
- Case studies demonstrate the effectiveness of probes in unraveling plant machinery.
Conclusions:
- Live functional imaging with chemical fluorescent probes is a key technology for plant cell biology.
- Future developments will likely focus on overcoming probe limitations like toxicity.
- Continued innovation in probes will further unravel the complex workings of plants.
