1st Edition

Vascular Organization of Angiosperms A New Vision

By Jean-Pierre Andre Copyright 2005
    154 Pages
    by CRC Press

    154 Pages
    by CRC Press

    This study of plant anatomy is based on newly available data on the structure and spatial organization of the vascular system of plants. For the first time, by means of a new technique of intracellular moulding, the vascular system can be observed in its length. Many examples are chosen from among the major groups of the plant kingdom to illustrate the vast field of applications of histological moulding: anatomical structures that have so far been little understood or unknown are described and hypotheses relative to the cambial functioning are presented. Following a summary of basic concepts of xylem anatomy, the text is illustrated with many diagrams and photographs of moulds made for the most part with scanning electron microscope. The successive steps of the technical implementation of moulding, are described with precision. The book is addressed not only to scientists and students, but also to professionals concerned with wood, trees, and plants in general.

    POTENTIAL APPLICATIONS OF MICROCASTING
    Histogenesis, Structure and Function of the Xylem
    Overview
    Histogenesis, Structure and Function of the Xylem
    The Primary Xylem of Angiosperms
    Advantage of Vascular Casting
    The Heterogeneous Vessels
    The Branched Vessels
    The Secondary Xylem of Dicotyledons
    Advantage of Vascular Casting
    Formation of Vessel Ends
    Occasional Branching of Vessels
    The Effects of Constraints and Cambial Deformations on Vascular Morphology
    Vascular Junctions Between Adjacent Axes
    Vascular Junctions Between a Hemiparasite and its Host
    The Xylem of Pteridophytes and Gymnosperms
    Advantage of Casting of Tracheids
    The Xylem of Pteridophytes
    The Xylem of Gymnosperms
    Intercellular Spaces and Canals. Phloem and Parenchyma Advantage of Casting
    Casting in Spaces and Canals
    Intracellular Casting in Parenchyma
    Casting in the Sieve Tubes of Phloem
    Perspectives
    THE TECHNIQUE OF MICROCASTING
    Introduction
    Preparation of Plant Material
    Descriptive Profile
    Planes of Section
    Treatment of the Spaces to be Cast
    Obstacles to the Progression of the Casting Agent through the Tissues
    Injection of the Casting Agent
    Principle of Injection
    Degassing Apparatus
    Degassing; Injection
    Duration of Injection
    Injection of Coloured Elastomer
    Properties and Crosslinking of the Casting Agent
    Properties of Silicone Elastomer RTV 141
    Practical Conditions for Crosslinking
    Chemical Destruction of Plant Tissues: Principle
    Hydrolysis of Polysaccharides
    Oxidation of Lignin
    Manipulation of Casts
    Characteristics of Silicone Elastomer Casts
    Manipulation
    Photography of Casts

    Biography

    Jean-Pierre Andre