French scientists study plant seed in 3D
Date: 7.10.2006
GRENOBLE, France - French scientists have studied a plant seed using synchrotron light -- the first time a living organism has been studied using a synchrotronic source.
The researchers from the French Center for National Scientific Research at the Joseph Fourier University and the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility, both in Grenoble, say the new view reveals a network of voids between the cells that might be used for oxygen storage needed for efficient germination.
In order to visualize seed-internal structures that could serve for oxygen storage, conventional microscopic methods could not be used because they require the seed to be cut -- thus leading to air escape, researchers said. By using holotomography, the scientists obtained the full picture of an arabidopsis seed without any structural modification.
The study is detailed in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
"Source":[ http://www.sciencedaily.com/upi/index.php?feed=Science&article=UPI-1-20060921-16372800-bc-france-synchrotron-crn.xml]
