Long section through Cucumber stem, stained with
Aniline Blue, viewed with Ultra-Violet fluorescence.
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Aniline Blue fluoresces when it is illuminated with
Ultra-Violet light. Other substances in the xylem walls also fluoresce. The
latter is called autofluorescence. The red
fluorescence is due to autofluorescence. by
chloroplasts. |
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A closer inspection of the Phloem reveals the Sieve Plates which have transverse and somewhat inclined dispositions. A Sieve Tube is clearly seen on the right side of the picture. The lateral walls of STMs may also have Sieve Pores. These also contain Callose and fluoresce as expected. These can be clearly seen in the Sieve Tube on the right. |
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Enlargement of the two Sieve Plates from the lower left corner of the image above. Note the blue color as well as the fluorescence. Both are due to the presence of Callose & Aniline Blue. |
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![]() Sieve Cells |
There are two types of
Sieve Elements. These are Sieve Tube
Members & Sieve Cells. Sieve Cells lack Sieve Plates.
They have Sieve Pores on their lateral walls. Sieve Cells tend to be narrow and elongate with overlapping end
walls. |
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