Digital Microscopy: A Useful Technique for Measuring Root Elongation in Solution |
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| Authors: | Frederick P C Blamey Naoko K Nishizawa Etsuro Yoshimura |
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| Institution: | Department of Global Agricultural Science and;Department of Applied Biological Chemistry, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113–8657 Japan |
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| Abstract: | 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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| Keywords: | aluminum digital microscopy mungbean root growth soybean |
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