Improved Imprinting Technique for Study of Plant Tissues

Abstract

The exposed surface of plant tissues is coated with nail varnish. When peeled off, the transparent coating film bean a replica imprint of the tissue. Transparent adhesive tape is used for lifting the film imprint and mounting is on a microslide without curling. By a similar method, an opaque sealant replica with an aluminum foil support may be prepared which can serve as a mold for obtaining a transparent secondary imprint useful for light microscopic studies. The replicas can be stored like herbarium specimens for future use.