Localizing Molecules in Plant Cell Walls Using Fluorescence Microscopy. 2023

Lloyd A Donaldson
Scion Crown Research Institute, Rotorua, New Zealand. lloyd.donaldson@scionresearch.com.

Autofluorescence of plant tissues can be used as a label-free method to detect a range of phenolic-based cell wall components including lignin, suberin, and ferulate using widefield or confocal fluorescence microscopy. Likewise, fluorescently labeled antibodies can be used to localize specific carbohydrate molecules including arabinoxylan, β-1,4 galactan, glucomannan, glucuronoxylan, pectins, and xyloglucan. When combined, these two methods allow detailed study of topochemistry in different plant tissues for phenotyping of mutant varieties and plant biology studies. This article describes the protocols for fluorescent detection and imaging of molecules in plant cell walls using autofluorescence and immunofluorescence.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D008031 Lignin The most abundant natural aromatic organic polymer found in all vascular plants. Lignin together with cellulose and hemicellulose are the major cell wall components of the fibers of all wood and grass species. Lignin is composed of coniferyl, p-coumaryl, and sinapyl alcohols in varying ratios in different plant species. (From Merck Index, 11th ed) Lignins
D008856 Microscopy, Fluorescence Microscopy of specimens stained with fluorescent dye (usually fluorescein isothiocyanate) or of naturally fluorescent materials, which emit light when exposed to ultraviolet or blue light. Immunofluorescence microscopy utilizes antibodies that are labeled with fluorescent dye. Fluorescence Microscopy,Immunofluorescence Microscopy,Microscopy, Immunofluorescence,Fluorescence Microscopies,Immunofluorescence Microscopies,Microscopies, Fluorescence,Microscopies, Immunofluorescence
D010368 Pectins High molecular weight polysaccharides present in the cell walls of all plants. Pectins cement cell walls together. They are used as emulsifiers and stabilizers in the food industry. They have been tried for a variety of therapeutic uses including as antidiarrheals, where they are now generally considered ineffective, and in the treatment of hypercholesterolemia. Calcium Pectinate,Methoxy Pectin,Methoxylpectin,Methoxypectin,Pectin,Pectinic Acid,Zinc Pectinate,Pectin, Methoxy,Pectinate, Calcium,Pectinate, Zinc
D002473 Cell Wall The outermost layer of a cell in most PLANTS; BACTERIA; FUNGI; and ALGAE. The cell wall is usually a rigid structure that lies external to the CELL MEMBRANE, and provides a protective barrier against physical or chemical agents. Cell Walls,Wall, Cell,Walls, Cell
D005685 Galactans Polysaccharides composed of repeating galactose units. They can consist of branched or unbranched chains in any linkages. Galactan,Polygalactose,Polygalactoses

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