The rapid-tome, a 3D-printed microtome, and an updated hand-sectioning method for high-quality plant sectioning.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Microscopic analysis of plant anatomy is a common procedure in biology to study structure and function that requires high-quality sections for accurate measurements. Hand sectioning of specimens is typically limited to moderately soft tissue while harder samples prohibit sectioning by hand and/or result in inconsistent thicknesses.

Results

Here we present both a clearly described hand-sectioning method and a novel microtome design that together provide the means to section a variety of plant sample types. The described hand-sectioning method for herbaceous stems works well for softer subjects but is less suitable for samples with secondary growth (e.g., wood production). Instead, the "Rapid-Tome" is a novel tool for sectioning both soft and tougher high-aspect-rat

SUBMITTER: Thomas DJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9898918 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature