Fracture of plant tissues and walls as visualized by environmental scanning electron microscopy.

ABSTRACT: The environmental scanning electron microscope (ESEM) provides a highly relevant and controllable environment in which to study hydrated systems without the artefacts of other highly prepared specimens. The instrument facilitates control of turgor through hydration using different chamber vapour pressures. Deformation of a simple plant tissue-upper epidermal layers in Allium cepa (onion)-was observed at the scale of the two principal failure mechanisms: cell breakage; and cell separation induced by treatment with a chelating agent. Cell rupture and release of contents occurred at cellular junctions ahead of an imposed growing notch, indicating that disruption of cells occurred remotely from the creation of a new surface. Cells that separated usually maintained their turgor and the separati

SUBMITTER: Donald AM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4243639 | biostudies-literature | 2003 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature