Abstract
A technique is described for X-ray microanalysis of unfixed, frozen, hydrated higher plant cells using a scanning electron microscope in conjunction with a cryostage. Freezing in liquid N2 is the only preparative step required. Using this method, ion distribution was compared in the roots of Zea mays L. (termed a salt excluder) and Hordeum vulgare L. (which is rather more tolerant), both grown in the presence of NaCl. Distinct differences were observed between the two species in Na, K and Cl distribution. Evidence is presented to support the hypothesis that reabsorption of Na from the xylem sap in the mature regions of the root may occur in salt-sensitive glycophytes such as Z. mays.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Epstein, E.: Mineral nutrition of plants: Principles and perspectives. London-New York-Toronto: Wiley 1972
Flowers, T.J.: Halophytes. In: Ion transport in plant cells and tissues, pp. 309–334. Baker, D.A., Hall, J.L., eds.. Amsterdam: North-Holland 1975
Greenway, H.: Salinity, plant growth and metabolism. J. Aust. Inst. Agric. Sci. 39, 24–34 (1973)
Gullasch, J., Kaufmann, R.: Energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis in soft biological tissue: relevance and reproducibility of the results as depending upon specimen preparation (air drying, cryofixation, cool-stage techniques). In: Microprobe analysis as applied to cells and tissues, pp. 175–190 Hall, T., Echlin, P., Kaufman, R., eds. London-New York: Academic Press 1974
Jacoby, B.: Sodium retention in excised bean stems. Physiol. Plant. 18, 730–739 (1965)
Jacoby, B., Ratner, A.: Mechanism of sodium exclusion in bean and corn plants—a recvaluation. In: Plant analysis and fertiliser problems, pp. 175–184. J. Wehrmann, ed. Hannover: German Society of Plant Nutrition 1974
Läuchli, A.: X-ray microanalysis in botany. J. Microscopie Biol. Cell. 22, 433–440 (1975)
Läuchli, A.: Pathway of ion transport in roots. In: Transport and transfer processes in plants, pp. 101–112. Wardlaw, I.F., Passioura, J.S. (Eds.). New York: Academic Press 1976a
Läuchli, A.: Apoplasmic transport in tissues. In: Encyclopedia of plant physiology (New Series), vol. 2. pt. B, pp. 3–34. Lüttge, U., Pitman, M.G. (Eds.). Berlin-Heidelberg-New York: Springer 1976b
Läuchli, A., Spurr, A.R., Epstein, E.: Lateral transport of ions into the xylem of corn roots II: evaluation of a stelar pump. Plant Physiol. 48, 118–124 (1974)
Läuchli, A., Kramer, D., Stelzer, R.: Ultrastructure and ion localisation in xylem parenchyma cells of roots. In: Membrane transport in plants, pp. 363–371. Zimmermann, U., Dainty, J. (Eds.), Berlin: Springer 1974a
Läuchli, A., Kramer, D., Pitman, M.G., Lüttge, U.: Ultrastructure of xylem parenchyma cells of barley roots in relation to ion transport to the xylem. Planta (Berl.) 119, 85–99 (1974b)
Läuchli, A., Kramer, D., Sluiter, E., Gullasch, J.: Function of xylem parenchyma cells in ion transport through barley roots: localisation of ions and of ATPases. In: Transmembrane ionic exchanges in plants. Ducet, D., Heller, R., Thellier, M., Eds. Paris: Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique 1976a, in press
Läuchli, A., Yeo, A.R., Kramer, D., Gullasch, J.: Distribution of soluble inorganic ions in maize roots; microprobe analysis of deep frozen specimens. In: Proceedings of 6th European Congress on Electron Microscopy, pp. 212–214. Jerusalem TAL International 1976b
Nassery, H., Baker, D.A.: Extrusion of sodium ions by barley roots I. Characteristics of the extrusion mechanism. Ann. Bot. 36, 881–887 (1972)
Nassery, H., Baker, D.A.: Extrusion of sodium ions by barley roots III: the effect of high salinity on long-distance sodium ion transport. Ann. Bot. 38, 141–144 (1974)
Rains, D.W.: Salt transport by plants in relation to salinity. Ann. Rev. Plant Physiol. 23, 367–388 (1972)
Shone, M.G.T., Clarkson, D.T., Sanderson, J.: The absorption and translocation of sodium by maize seedlings. Planta (Berl.) 86, 301–314 (1969)
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Yeo, A.R., Läuchli, A., Kramer, D. et al. Ion measurements by X-ray microanalysis in unfixed, frozen, hydrated plant cells of species differing in salt tolerance. Planta 134, 35–38 (1977). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00390091
Received:
Accepted:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00390091