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Abstract Detail



Xylem apoplast-symplast interactions

Kitin, Peter [1].

What xylem cells are involved in the supply of cambium with water?

Secondary xylem is a complex tissue composed mainly of dead tracheary elements (fibers, tracheids and vessels) and living parenchyma. The dead cells at maturity are specialized in water conduction or mechanical support. Xylem axial parenchyma and rays perform various functions related to storage, defense from pathogens, and repair of wounds or dysfunction of xylem. Rays are the main routes for radial transport of water and sugars between the phloem and xylem. In addition, studies of the structure of xylem have shown that networks of tracheids and vessels may also supply cambium with water. However, the function in radial transport of such networks of xylem tracheary cells is little investigated. I used a cryo-light microscopy technique and dye tracers to investigate the water-conduction and water-storage in xylem. This technique provides fixation of the water and dye tracers and minimizes errors that can occur during sample preparation. I correlated the cryo-light microscopy with confocal imaging and resin-casting which provided insights into the three-dimensional networks of cells while at the same time revealed details of the cell wall microstructure. In Populus and Fraxinus, rays, as well as networks of vessels, transport water from the xylem to cambium. The ray and axial parenchyma cells are structurally associated with adjacent tracheids or vessels and exchange with them water and solutes. Living and dead xylem elements participate in the radial transfer of water from xylem to cambium. This study also shows the potential of cryo-light microscopy for visualization of water in xylem at the cellular level.

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1 - University of Wisconsin, One Gifford Pinchot Drive 34/14, Madison, WI, 53726, USA

Keywords:
cambium
cryo-microscopy
Confocal laser scanning microscopy
long distance sap transport
xylem.

Presentation Type: Symposium or Colloquium Presentation
Session: C3
Location: Belle-Chasse/Riverside Hilton
Date: Monday, July 29th, 2013
Time: 11:30 AM
Number: C3014
Abstract ID:900
Candidate for Awards:None


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