Epiderma liścia - metody analizy wzrostu i kształtu komórek

Abstract

Fascination with the construction of biological structures and a desire to explain their function have been a goal of researchers for centuries. Certainly their in-spiration increased when Robert Hook observed plant cells using a microscope 350 years ago. Nowadays, thanks to technological progress, biologists can study the phenomena and relationships of their interest using many different methods allowing them to learn about structures and functions of cells. These methods com-bine the achievements of genetic engineering, molecular biology, physics (including optics) with advanced computer science, allowing quick analysis and visualiza-tion of results in an interesting way. Currently the plant cell may have features “designed” by the researcher. For example, the commonly used transgenic lines allow in vivo observation of specific cell structures without the need for laborious material preparation (e.g. fixing and staining cell structures). Today researchers can also use different magnifications; from macroscopic, through microscopic to nanoscopic ones. Digital technology and constantly increasing computing power enable cell visualization in various dimensions as well as creating simulations and computer models. The purpose of this monograph is to present selected contemporary methods of plant cells’ visualization and analysis using epidermis as an example. The book is directed to a wide range of students interested in developmental biology. The first part focuses on the diversity of shapes of pavement cells of epidermis – the tissue important for morphogenesis and organ protection. This section describes methods enabling observation and analysis of plant cellular structures. The second part presents how to use microscopic techniques such as fluorescence microscopy, laser scanning confocal microscopy and scanning electron microscopy together with computer programs for visualization and quantitative analysis of cell shape and for calculations of epidermal cell growth.