Tomato Stem

[JimT]

Images of a tomato stem transverse section (a dicot) stained with methylene blue.

The first image is with the 10X obj. and shows the progression from the single layered epidermis, the collenchyma-the thick green cells, and the parenchyma. Next are phloem cells – I believe the blue stained ones are phloem fibers. These mark the edge of the vascular bundle. Then we have vascular cambium, xylem, and secondary xylem-the many blue cells (like spokes) radiating towards the pith.



Second image is with the 20X obj. and shows the vascular bundle in greater detail including bundle sheath cells between the secondary xylem and the pith.



Third image is with the 40X obj. which gives a closer look at the phloem cells, the cambium, and the xylem.



Next image with the 40X shows the different kinds of cell structure in the secondary xylem.



Lastly we come to the bundle sheath cells and pith taken with the 40X obj.

[mrsonchus]

What a superb series Jim, really like these a lot. The penultimate image is a real beauty with superb detail - I hope you're proud of this work - you certainly should be old chap, superbly executed and presented to my eyes!
A very nice set, great information too - who would think such complexity lies within the humble Tomato!

The cell-shapes (that is their preserved geometry), especially in the penultimate image are testament to your superb hand-sectioning technique Jim, I love them!

Keep them coming Jim. they're very refreshing and quite beautiful to see.

[JimT]

penultimate image

Thank you John B but I had to look up the definition. I also liked the next to last image. Tried to do a tangential section and got a few glimpses of the bordered pits in the secondary xylem but couldn't get any thin enough to image. Oh well.

[billbillt]

These ARE very good!.. Great sharpness..

BillT

[JimT]

Thank you Bill T. Like I said in my dandelion post, I enjoy doing these and plan to do more.

Still waiting for real Spring. It is 35 F now, ~3C. Brrr!

[apochronaut]

Very nice work. There is a bit of 3 dimensionality, which gives the images some life. This was from a very young seedling?
The first two look very similar in magnification. Perhaps, they are both 10X and the third is 20X and on to the 40x, then?

[rnabholz]

Outstanding series Jim.

Great color, sharp as a tack, excellent sections and interesting subject. They have it all.

[Raul]

Very good images Jim, did you use your home made microtome to cut the sample? (did you embed the stem in wax?)

[JimT]

Thanks Rod and Apochronaut . Stem was old and quite dead. Attached to a tomato from a grocery. Hope to repeat in the Summer with a live stem and compare the two.

Thanks to John B. for his excellent recommendation of "A Color Atlas of Plant Structure A great resource.

[gekko]

Superb images. Excellent sharpness, great color, and very beautiful to look at. I must say that I'm also very impressed with your (newly acquired?) botanical knowledge!

[JimT]

Thanks Rashid. Yes newly acquired knowledge.

[mrsonchus]

Thanks Rashid. Yes newly acquired knowledge.

Good job Jim, that's where everything I learn comes from - the tomes! I only know what I read - fascinating topic Botany.

Keep up the excellent work and posts!

[JimT]

Did you use your home made microtome to cut the sample? (did you embed the stem in wax?)

Raul, sorry I missed your questions. Yes, my home made microtome and no I did not embed the stem in wax. Seems like too much work. I like the simple approach.

JimT

[vasselle]

Bonjour
Très belles photos
Merci pour le partage
Cordialement seb

[JimT]

Merci.