Submit to Plants Review for Plants Propose a Special Issue

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

► Journal Browser

Microscopy Techniques in Plant Studies

Print Special Issue Flyer
Special Issue Editors
Special Issue Information
Keywords
Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue
Published Papers

A special issue of Plants (ISSN 2223-7747).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 June 2024) | Viewed by 16724

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Emilio de Castro Miguel

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

Department of Metallurgical and Materials, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil
Interests: microscopy; plant ultrastructure; cell biology; nanomaterials
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Maura Da Cunha

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

Campos dos Goitacazes, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminensedisabled, Campos dos Goytacazes, Brazil
Interests: plant science; microscopy
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Thaiz Batista Azevedo Rangel Miguel

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

Department Food Engineering, Federal University of Ceará, 60020-181 Fortaleza, Brazil
Interests: microscopy; plant cell biology; non-thermal food processing

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Plant biology studies include several approaches that range from gene expression experiments to the evaluation of plant growth in contact with nanostructured materials. Undoubtedly, all studies contribute to the accumulation of knowledge in plant physiology, anatomy and ultrastructure. While many techniques can be used to advance research, microscopy techniques can be applied to solve problems in many fields of plant biology and are extremely versatile. In this sense, microscopy techniques are capable of being applied in all fields of plant biology.

Recently, the investigation of plants using microscopy has surpassed traditional techniques such as light and scanning electron microscopy, and has even focused on techniques that have not been applied before, such as Raman microscopy, SIMS microscopy, focused ion beam, and others.

With the aim of strengthening the scientific basis for plant science, we welcome articles that enhance our understanding of all aspects of plant biology that include microscopic investigation. Review articles are also welcome.

Dr. Emilio de Castro Miguel
Dr. Maura Da Cunha
Dr. Thaiz Batista Azevedo Rangel Miguel
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Plants is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

plant microscopy
plant cell
ultrastructure cell wall
plant anatomy
nanotechnology

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
e-Book format: Special Issues with more than 10 articles can be published as dedicated e-books, ensuring wide and rapid dissemination.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue polices can be found here.

Published Papers (10 papers)

Download All Papers

Order results

Result details

Show export options Show export options

Select all

Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

16 pages, 10343 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Authentication and Quality Control of the Brazilian Traditional Herb ‘Carquejas’ (Baccharis Species) Using Morpho-Anatomy and Microscopy

by Kevin Alves Antunes, Vijayasankar Raman, Wilmer Hervet Perera, Gustavo Heiden, Roberto Pontarolo, Paulo Vitor Farago, Ikhlas Ahmed Khan and Jane Manfron

Plants 2024, 13(21), 3030; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13213030 - 30 Oct 2024

Viewed by 532

Abstract

This research investigates the morpho-anatomical characteristics of seven Baccharis species, namely B. articulata, B. milleflora, B. myriocephala, B. pentaptera, B. riograndensis, B. sagittalis and B. trimera. Commonly called carquejas, these species have aerial photosynthetic winged stems known as cladodes and are widely used traditionally to treat digestive and diuretic disorders. This study aimed to characterize these commonly misidentified species using morphological and microscopic techniques, including light and scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Trichomes, the presence or absence of oil bodies, and a subepidermal collenchyma layer at the wing edge were identified as primary anatomical markers that can help differentiate the studied species. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microscopy Techniques in Plant Studies)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

20 pages, 37072 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparative Anatomical Analysis of Bark Structure in 10 Quercus Species

by Changzhao Li, Xiaorui Yang, Songyang Chen, Yuxi Huang, Yushan Yang and Jian Qiu

Plants 2024, 13(13), 1871; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13131871 - 6 Jul 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 928

Abstract

Detailed anatomical features of bark are used and interpreted in plant taxonomy, phylogenetics, and other areas of plant science. However, the delicate nature of bark cells, combined with the difficulty of obtaining high-quality sections and reliable data, limits the potential for utilizing and processing bark. In this study, the anatomical structure of the bark of 10 Quercus species growing in Yunnan Province, China, was characterized in detail. The results indicate that the anatomical features of the barks of 10 Quercus spp. show a certain degree of consistency. Specifically, sieve tubes are distributed in solitary elements or in small groups, mostly as compound sieve plates containing 2–8 sieve areas, suggesting that Quercus spp. may occupy a conservative evolutionary position. Additionally, for the first time, this study reports the presence of simple sieve plates in the sieve tube elements of Quercus phloem. Each sieve tube element has a companion cell on one side. The companion cell strands contain 2–7 cells. Axial parenchyma is diffuse, with parenchyma strands typically consisting of 4–7 cells; druses are present within chambered crystalliferous cells. Phloem rays are of two distinct sizes and often exhibit dilatation and sclerification, and the ray composition consists of procumbent cells. Sclerenchyma is composed of fibers and sclereids, both of which contain prismatic crystals. Most of the fibers are gelatinous fibers, which are distributed in discontinuous tangential bands of about five cells in width. Sclereids appear in clusters. The presence of sclerenchyma provides mechanical support to the bark, reducing the collapse of the phloem. Periderm usually consists of around 10–30 layers of phellem, and Quercus acutissima and Q. variabilis can reach dozens or hundreds layers. The phelloderm typically consists of from two to five layers, with Q. variabilis having up to ten or more layers. The filling tissue of lenticels in all Quercus species is nonstratified (homogeneous) and largely nonsuberized. Overall, this study enriches our comprehension of Quercus bark anatomy, elucidating evolutionary patterns, functional adaptations, and ecological ramifications within this significant botanical genus. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microscopy Techniques in Plant Studies)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 9353 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Physiological and Structural Changes in Leaves of Platycrater arguta Seedlings Exposed to Increasing Light Intensities

by Chunyan Wei, Guangyu Luo, Zexin Jin, Junmin Li and Yueling Li

Plants 2024, 13(9), 1263; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13091263 - 30 Apr 2024

Viewed by 1419

Abstract

Understanding the light adaptation of plants is critical for conservation. Platycrater arguta, an endangered deciduous shrub endemic to East Asia, possesses high ornamental and phylogeographic value. However, the weak environmental adaptability of P. arguta species has limited its general growth and conservation. To obtain a deeper understanding of the P. arguta growth conditions, we examined the leaf morphology and physiology via anatomical and chloroplast ultrastructural analyses following exposure to different natural light intensities (full light, 40%, and 10%). The findings indicated that P. arguta seedings in the 10% light intensity had significantly improved leaf morphological characteristics and specific leaf area compared to those exposed to other intensities. The net photosynthetic rate, chlorophyll (Chl) content, photosynthetic nitrogen use efficiency (PNUE), and photosynthetic phosphorus use efficiency (PPUE) exhibited marked increases at a 10% light intensity compared to both 40% light and full light intensities, whereas the light compensation point and dark respiration levels reached their lowest values under the 10% light condition. With reduced light, leaf thickness, palisade tissue, spongy tissue, and stomatal density significantly decreased, whereas the stomatal length, stomatal width, and stomatal aperture were significantly elevated. When exposed to 10% light intensity, the ultrastructure of chloroplasts was well developed, chloroplasts and starch grain size, the number of grana, and thylakoids all increased significantly, while the number of plastoglobules was significantly reduced. Relative distance phenotypic plasticity index analysis exhibited that P. arguta adapts to varying light environments predominantly by adjusting PPUE, Chl b, PNUE, chloroplast area, and the activity of PSII reaction centers. We proposed that P. arguta efficiently utilizes low light to reconfigure its energy metabolism by regulating its leaf structure, photosynthetic capacity, nutrient use efficiency, and chloroplast development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microscopy Techniques in Plant Studies)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 4499 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Unveiling the Anatomical and Functional Attributes of Stipular Colleters in Palicourea tetraphylla Cham. & Schltdl. and Palicourea rudgeoides (Müll. Arg.) Standl. (Rubiaceae)

by Laís de Almeida Bezerra, Emilio Castro Miguel, Camilla Ribeiro Alexandrino, Thaiz Batista de Azevedo Rangel Miguel, Valdirene Moreira Gomes and Maura Da Cunha

Plants 2024, 13(9), 1206; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13091206 - 26 Apr 2024

Viewed by 1015

Abstract

The characterization of colleters in Rubiaceae is crucial for understanding their role in plant function. Analyzing colleters in Palicourea tetraphylla and Palicourea rudgeoides aims to deepen the understanding of these structures morphoanatomical and functional characteristics. The study reveals colleters with palisade epidermis and a parenchymatic central axis, classified as standard type, featuring vascularization and crystals. Colleter secretion, abundant in acidic mucopolysaccharides, proteins, and phenolic compounds, protects against desiccation. The ontogenesis, development, and senescence of the colleters are quite rapid and fulfill their role well in biotic and abiotic protection because these structures are present at different stages of development in the same stipule. Pronounced protrusions on the colleters surface, coupled with the accumulation of secretion in the intercellular and subcuticular spaces, suggest that the secretory process occurs through the wall, driven by pressure resulting from the accumulation of secretion. The microorganisms in the colleters’ secretion, especially in microbiota-rich environments such as the Atlantic Forest, provide valuable information about plant–microorganism interactions, such as resistance to other pathogens and organisms and ecological balance. This enhanced understanding of colleters contributes to the role of these structures in the plant and enriches knowledge about biological interactions within specific ecosystems and the family taxonomy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microscopy Techniques in Plant Studies)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

21 pages, 3410 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Freeze Substitution Accelerated via Agitation: New Prospects for Ultrastructural Studies of Lichen Symbionts and Their Extracellular Matrix

by Siegfried Reipert, Daniela Gruber, Norbert Cyran, Brigitte Schmidt, Rosa de la Torre Noetzel, Leopoldo G. Sancho, Michal Goga, Martin Bačkor and Katy Schmidt

Plants 2023, 12(23), 4039; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12234039 - 30 Nov 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1499

Abstract

(1) Background: Lichens, as an important part of the terrestrial ecosystem, attract the attention of various research disciplines. To elucidate their ultrastructure, transmission electron microscopy of resin-embedded samples is indispensable. Since most observations of lichen samples are generated via chemical fixation and processing at room temperature, they lack the rapid immobilization of live processes and are prone to preparation artefacts. To improve their preservation, cryoprocessing was tested in the past, but never widely implemented, not least because of an extremely lengthy protocol. (2) Methods: Here, we introduce an accelerated automated freeze substitution protocol with continuous agitation. Using the example of three lichen species, we demonstrate the preservation of the native state of algal photobionts and mycobionts in association with their extracellular matrix. (3) Results: We bring to attention the extent and the structural variability of the hyphae, the extracellular matrix and numerous crystallized metabolites. Our findings will encourage studies on transformation processes related to the compartmentation of lichen thalli. They include cryopreserved aspects of algal photobionts and observations of putative physiological relevance, such as the arrangement of numerous mitochondria within chloroplast pockets. (4) Conclusions: In summary, we present accelerated freeze substitution as a very useful tool for systematic studies of lichen ultrastructures. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microscopy Techniques in Plant Studies)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 5366 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Vessel Anatomical Features of ‘Picual’ and ‘Frantoio’, Two Olive Cultivars Different in Resistance against Verticillium Wilt of Olive

by Antonio Santos-Rufo, Martín Molina-Molina, Esteban Alcántara-Vara, Carlos Weiland-Ardáiz and Fco. Javier López-Escudero

Plants 2023, 12(16), 2910; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12162910 - 10 Aug 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1257

Abstract

The olive tree (Olea europaea), a non-tropical woody crop that occupies the largest area in the world, is severely affected by the fungus Verticillium dahliae worldwide. In this regard, there is currently detailed information on the level of resistance to this pathogen in the main olive varieties. However, there is little information on quantitative aspects of its anatomy and on the existence of anatomical differences between varieties that could be related to the differential resistance response observed. In the present work, a quantitative study of the xylem of ‘Picual’, susceptible, and ‘Frantoio’, resistant, to V. dahliae is carried out. This study also provides quantitative data on the xylem in different areas of the plant, an aspect on which there is not much information for the olive tree. Among the parameters evaluated, it is probably the greater conductive capacity in the xylem tissue that ‘Frantoio’ presents, mainly due to the greater density of its vessels, which has a more relevant role in the resistance and natural recovery that this cultivar manifests to the disease. In any case, these constitutive anatomical differences, and those others that can be induced in plants during infections, should be investigated in future work that includes inoculation with the pathogen. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microscopy Techniques in Plant Studies)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 9667 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Macroscopical, Microscopical and Histochemical Analysis of Eryngium karatavicum Iljin Growing on the Territory of South Kazakhstan

by Meruyert Amantayeva, Kaldanay Kozhanova, Gulnara Kadyrbayeva, Aigul Medeshova, Yerbolat Tulebayev, Moldir Zhandabayeva, Gulnur Yeleken, Zoya Allambergenova and Szilvia Czigle

Plants 2023, 12(14), 2714; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12142714 - 21 Jul 2023

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2192

Abstract

Carrying out macroscopical and microscopical analyses of plants allows determining the species and identifying diagnostic signs of the plant that distinguish the studied object from other related species. Endemic plant species are a specific component of the flora, whose representatives grow in a relatively limited area, represented by a small geographical area. Their diagnostic morphological and anatomical data are insufficiently studied. Such endemic unexplored plant species include Eryngium karatavicum Iljin, which grows in the territory of South Kazakhstan. This article presents the results of macroscopical, microscopical and histochemical analyses of leaves, flowers and stems of Eryngium karatavicum. The results of morphological analysis of Eryngium karatavicum showed that the plant has distinctive features of macroscopical, microscopical and histochemical signs on the upper and lower sides of the leaf, stem, inflorescence, leaves of the wrapper and flower. These results can be used to confirm the authenticity, identification, and standardization of aerial parts of the endemic plant Eryngium karatavicum Iljin. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microscopy Techniques in Plant Studies)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

21 pages, 11145 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Reproductive Capacity and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) Analyses of the Micromorphological Surfaces of Three Endemic Satureja Species from Bulgaria

by Ivanka Semerdjieva, Elina Yankova-Tsvetkova, Valtcho D. Zheljazkov, Lyubka H. Koleva-Valkova and Rozalia Nikolova

Plants 2023, 12(13), 2436; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12132436 - 24 Jun 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1478

Abstract

Satureja pilosa Velen., S. coerulea Janka and S. kitaibelii Wierzb. ex Heuff. are Balkan endemic species, and they are distributed in restricted territories, primarily found in dry grasslands, rocky slopes, and stony habitats. This study presents the results of the first embryological and micromorphological analyses of three Satureja species (S. pilosa, S. kitaibelii, and S. coerulea) from the Bulgarian flora. The aim of this study was to establish the features of the male and female reproductive sphere, as well as surface characteristics of leaves, stem, and calyx in order to understand the mode of reproduction, character, size and state of species populations and delimitation. For the embryological study, flowers and flower buds in different developmental stages were collected from plants of natural populations and treated with the classic paraffin method. Reproductive capacity was assessed using the following approaches: (1) acetocarmine test for pollen viability, (2) tetrazolium test (TTZ) for seed viability, and (3) germination test. The surfaces characteristics of leaves, stem, and calyx were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). As a result, the study revealed the structures of the male (M) and female (F) generative spheres as well as the processes of gamete development, pollination, and endosperm and embryo formation. It was found that the three Satureja species exhibited a high pollen viability but low seed viability and germination. The SEM analysis showed both common and distinct micromorphology features regarding epidermis, calyx and stem surfaces among the three Satureja species. Notably, the S. coerulea surfaces (leaves, calyx, stem) were clearly distinguishable from the other two Satureja species. Regarding the nutlet surfaces, it was observed that the exocarp surfaces of S. coerulea and S. kitaibelii have a reticulate convex type surface and comprise two types of cells: (1) highly bulging, bubble-like cells; and (2) flat cells with numerous striations. On the other hand, the exocarp of S. pilosa displayed rectangular or polygonal shapes without bubble-like cells, and it had a tabular to slightly convex type surface. Additionally, nutlets (seeds) of both S. coerulea and S. pilosa exhibited distinct papilla formations resembling non-glandular trichomes seen on the ends of the nutlets for S. coerulea and over the entire surface for S. pilosa. The characteristics of the embryological structures and processes, along with the absence of apomixis, characterized the three studied Satureja species as sexually reproducing. The established balanced processes and stable structures contribute to their high reproductive potential and population stability. However, these traits may also decrease their adaptability to environmental changes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microscopy Techniques in Plant Studies)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 2277 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Confocal Microscopy Investigations of Biopolymeric PLGA Nanoparticle Uptake in Arabidopsis thaliana L. Cultured Cells and Plantlet Roots

by Giulia De Angelis, Camilla Badiali, Laura Chronopoulou, Cleofe Palocci and Gabriella Pasqua

Plants 2023, 12(13), 2397; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12132397 - 21 Jun 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1958

Abstract

To date, most endocytosis studies in plant cells have focused on clathrin-dependent endocytosis, while limited evidence is available on clathrin-independent pathways. Since dynamin a is a key protein both in clathrin-mediated endocytosis and in clathrin-independent endocytic processes, this study investigated its role in the uptake of poly-(lactic-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA) nanoparticles (NPs). The experiments were performed on cultured cells and roots of Arabidopsis thaliana. Dynasore was used to inhibit the activity of dynamin-like proteins to investigate whether PLGA NPs enter plant cells through a dynamin-like-dependent or dynamin-like-independent endocytic pathway. Observations were performed by confocal microscopy using a fluorescent probe, coumarin 6, loaded in PLGA NPs. The results showed that both cells and roots of A. thaliana rapidly take up PLGA NPs. Dynasore was administered at different concentrations and exposure times in order to identify the effective ones for inhibitory activity. Treatments with dynasore did not prevent the NPs uptake, as revealed by the presence of fluorescence emission detected in the cytoplasm. At the highest concentration and the longest exposure time to dynasore, the fluorescence of NPs was not visible due to cell death. Thus, the results suggest that, because the NPs’ uptake is unaffected by dynasore exposure, NPs can enter cells and roots by following a dynamin-like-independent endocytic pathway. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microscopy Techniques in Plant Studies)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 12285 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Microscopical Analysis of Autofluorescence as a Complementary and Useful Method to Assess Differences in Anatomy and Structural Distribution Underlying Evolutive Variation in Loss of Seed Dispersal in Common Bean

by Ana M. Santos, Ana M. González, Juan De Dios Alche and Marta Santalla

Plants 2023, 12(11), 2212; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12112212 - 3 Jun 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2131

Abstract

The common bean has received attention as a model plant for legume studies, but little information is available about the morphology of its pods and the relation of this morphology to the loss of seed dispersal and/or the pod string, which are key agronomic traits of legume domestication. Dehiscence is related to the pod morphology and anatomy of pod tissues because of the weakening of the dorsal and ventral dehiscence zones and the tensions of the pod walls. These tensions are produced by the differential mechanical properties of lignified and non-lignified tissues and changes in turgor associated with fruit maturation. In this research, we histologically studied the dehiscence zone of the ventral and dorsal sutures of the pod in two contrasting genotypes for the dehiscence and string, by comparing different histochemical methods with autofluorescence. We found that the secondary cell wall modifications of the ventral suture of the pod were clearly different between the dehiscence-susceptible and stringy PHA1037 and the dehiscence-resistant and stringless PHA0595 genotypes. The susceptible genotype had cells of bundle caps arranged in a more easily breakable bowtie knot shape. The resistant genotype had a larger vascular bundle area and larger fibre cap cells (FCCs), and due to their thickness, the external valve margin cells were significantly stronger than those from PHA1037. Our findings suggest that the FCC area, and the cell arrangement in the bundle cap, might be partial structures involved in the pod dehiscence of the common bean. The autofluorescence pattern at the ventral suture allowed us to quickly identify the dehiscent phenotype and gain a better understanding of cell wall tissue modifications that took place along the bean’s evolution, which had an impact on crop improvement. We report a simple autofluorescence protocol to reliably identify secondary cell wall organization and its relationship to the dehiscence and string in the common bean. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microscopy Techniques in Plant Studies)

► Show Figures

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Microscopy Techniques in Plant Studies

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editors

Special Issue Information

Keywords

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

Published Papers (10 papers)

Research

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI