Digital microscopy: A useful technique for measuring root elongation in solution
2005
Blamey, F.P.C.(Tokyo Univ. (Japan)) | Nishizawa, N.K. | Yoshimura, E.
Decreased root elongation and rupture of outer cells, major effects of soluble aluminum (Al), may be studied using digital microscopy with little interference by the experimental technique. Single roots of 3-d-old mungbean (Vigna radiata L.) or soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) seedlings were marked with activated charcoal particles and grown for ca. 2 h in 500 mL 1 mM CaCl2 solution at pH 6, followed by the imposition of an Al treatment. A digital image at 25-time magnification was recorded every 5 min for up to 7 h. Examination of the digital images showed that Al exerted its rhizotoxic effects rapidly (ca. 20-50 min) by reducing cell expansion in the elongation zone. Rupture of epidermal and outer cortical cells occurred later (after-4 h) and closer to the root tip. Digital microscopy has a number of inherent benefits and problems, but is overall a valuable technique that may find wide use in studies on root growth.
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