Chapter: Plant Anatomy:An Applied Approach: Practical microtechnique

Clearing - Materials and methods in Practical microtechnique

Sometimes it is an advantage not to have cell contents obscuring the tissue distribution but, before ‘clearing’ the sections, some should be studied with their inclusions.

Clearing

Sometimes it is an advantage not to have cell contents obscuring the tissue distribution but, before ‘clearing’ the sections, some should be studied with their inclusions. Sections can be cleared by transferring them from the 50% alcohol to a dish of water with a brush or fine forceps. Then, using a mounted needle or fine forceps they are placed in a cavity block contain-ing undiluted sodium hypochlorite household bleach.

The time needed for cell contents to dissolve away varies from subject to subject and can be determined by visual inspection. It usually takes about 5 minutes. The whole section will dissolve if left long enough. After immer-sion in the bleach, the sections are thoroughly washed in water. Take care not to get the brush in the bleach as its bristles will dissolve.

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Plant Anatomy:An Applied Approach: Practical microtechnique : Clearing - Materials and methods in Practical microtechnique |