Microscope specifications only set the limits of quality and in reality quality critically depends on good sample preparation, which, in turn, is heavily based on experience. The histology facility has the equipment and expertise to prepare samples for a diverse range of microscopic observations and may also contribute towards interpretation of the results if necessary. A thorough understanding of the whole experimental workflow, from the choice of the best technology through to sample preparation, fluorescent labelling or staining, and image acquisition parameters, is a principal factor in obtaining relevant high-quality results in a fast and efficient way.
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Vibration
microtomy
Fast and easy sectioning of fresh plant material (no solvents, ambient or low temperature water bath).
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Sliding
microtomy
Wood samples are sectioned with a sliding microtome. In some cases pretreatments are required for optimal results.
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Microscopes &
cameras
Nikon Ni-U (microscope)
Nikon ECZ1 (confocal)
Nikon Eclipse E600 (microscope)
Nikon SMZ800 (stereomicroscope)
Zeiss Axioplan 2 (microscope)
Zeiss Axioskop (microscope)
Nikon DsFi3 (camera)
Bresser MikroCam II Full HD (camera)
Nikon DXM1200 (camera)
Histochemistry
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We use a broad range of histochemical dyes to detect lignins, tannins, pectins, starch, plant cuticles, polysacharides, etc
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Phase contrast
microscopy
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Phase contrast microscopy is mainly used for chromosome countings.
Rotation
microtomy
Our automated rotary microtome is equipped with knife holders that hold blades for Technovit, Paraplast and Steedman's wax sectioning. This setup includes a section transfer system and a peltier-cooled cassette holder.
Embedding
media
Paraplast Extra
Steedman's wax
Technovit 7100
PEG2000
Spurr's resin
LR White
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Immuno
fluorescence
We routinely immunolabel vibratome and LR White sections with cell-wall-directed monoclonal antibodies, often with chemical or enzymatic pretreatments.
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Brightfield
microscopy
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Brightfield microscopy is the golden standard of microscopy and is used to analyse most microscopic slides. Our software includes stitching and extended depth of field functions.
Stereo-
microscopy
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Our stereomicroscope allows magnifications up to 63x. Our software includes focus stacking.
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Ultra
microtomy
Ultrathin (50-200 nm) or semithin (200-1000 nm) are sectioned with an automated ultramicrotome.
Clearing
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We developed several protocols for clearing herbarium and fresh plant structures for microscopic investigation (mainly leaves).
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Immunogold
labelling
Immunogold labelling is typically performed on highly autofluorescent samples (followed by silver-enhancement) or used to study epitope distributions at high resolution (TEM).
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Polarisation
microscopy
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Polarisation microscopy is employed to visualise starch granules, crystals and other birefringent plant structures.
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Transmission
electron
microscopy
In some cases ultrathin LR White or Spurr sections are investigated with an electron microscope (cell wall structure, subcellular structural analysis, immunogold labelling).