Abstract Detail

Developmental and Structural Section

Stanfield, Ryan [1], Hacke, Uwe G. [2], Brocious, Cayla [1], Hillabrand, Rachel [1].

Gaining insights into phloem anatomy: combining electron and light microscopy to reveal fine details in sieve elements.

The phloem is an enigmatic vascular tissue that warrants further study in terms of its finer anatomy and resulting physiology. The pressure flow hypothesis of sap movement outlined by Munch (1930) has been the reigning mechanism of solute conductance through the phloem. Testing this hypothesis experimentally has been challenging; direct recording of phloem sap flow rate is difficult, thus obtaining precise anatomical measurements is critical to model fluid movement. However, imaging of the phloem tissue is problematic, due to the biochemical reactions that occur post-wounding. Recently, imaging techniques have emerged to expose the finer details of the phloem sieve elements (SE) and companion cells with fewer artifacts, using both electron (EM) and variations of confocal microscopy (CLM); the high resolution advantages of EM combined with the ability to view in-vivo structures using CLM can provide a more complete picture of how structure influences function in a sieve tube. The purpose of this study is to provide a more thorough assessment of phloem using a variety of imaging techniques. Balsam poplar (Populus balsamifera) sections were obtained from genetically identical plants to measure various properties of SE. Consideration was taken to observe parameters throughout the whole plant. This research will provide more complete dimensional and anatomical data to help refine current models in phloem physiology.

Related Links:
Website of Dr. Uwe Hacke and associates

1 - University of Alberta, Renewable Resources , University of Alberta , 442 Earth Sciences Building, Edmonton , AB, AB T6G 2E3, Canada
2 - University of Alberta, Department of Renewable Resources, 442 Earth Sciences Building, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2E3, Canada

Keywords:
Phloem
Combined Microscopy
Münch Hypothesis 
plant anatomy
Electron Microscopy 
Confocal Microscopy .

Presentation Type: Poster:Posters for Sections
Session: P
Location: Hall D/The Shaw Conference Centre
Date: Monday, July 27th, 2015
Time: 5:30 PM
Number: PDS005
Abstract ID:234
Candidate for Awards:Katherine Esau Award,Developmental and Structural Section best poster