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Figure 9 | Plant Methods

Figure 9

From: Cell surface and cell outline imaging in plant tissues using the backscattered electron detector in a variable pressure scanning electron microscope

Figure 9

X-ray microanalysis of critical point dried A. thaliana leaves (carbon-coated) and effect of EDTA chelation on BSE signal. (A) EDS spectra from untreated leaves fixed in methanol ('control’) or leaves extracted with 1% EDTA overnight and fixed in methanol ('EDTA’). Note the lack of Mg and Ca peaks in EDTA-extracted leaves (both cations are extracted) and appearance of Na peak (most likely due to the Na present in the EDTA salt solution) in EDTA treated tissue. EDS spectra were collected from a 590x440 μm field (similar to images shown in B and C) at 20 mm working distance using 20 kV accelerating voltage and a spot size of 550 (1.7 nA probe current). Spectra were scaled to exclude lower atomic number elements including carbon (originating from the carbon coating). (B-C) BSE signal from cell wall junctions is relatively bright in untreated tissue (B) and weak in EDTA-extracted tissue (C); arrowheads indicate cell wall outlines. Scale bar = 20 μm (B,C; bar shown in C).

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