-
Views
-
Cite
Cite
A. K. M. GHOUSE, MOHD YUNUS, Preparation of Cuticle-free Epidermal Peels for the Demonstration of Primary Pit-fields, Annals of Botany, Volume 38, Issue 1, January 1974, Pages 209–211, https://doi.org/10.1093/oxfordjournals.aob.a084795
Close - Share Icon Share
Abstract
Cuticle-free epidermal peels for the demonstration of primary pit-fields (if any) on the outer surface of the epidermal cells, can be prepared by a chemically controlled process, using 5-10 per cent NaOH solution as a macerating medium. Such peels can be obtained from any desired part of the plant within a period of a week. The process involves allowing the trimmed pieces of the plant material to stand in the NaOH solution at 50–60 °C, until all the cuticular depositions on the outer surface of the epidermal cells are dissolved and the unwanted tissues are sufficiently loosened to allow the easy removal of the epidermis. The separation of epidermis is done by giving moderate agitations in water during washing or by means of a soft-haired brush under a dissecting microscope.
The peels so obtained must be washed thoroughly in water and can then be stained with bismark brown or iron alum hematoxylln. After dehydration in ethanol, they can be mounted permanently in Canada balsam.
