Confocal microscopy and plant cell biology: A perfect match

Abstract

The present short introduction to confocal microscopy in plant cell biology is meant to be a reference addressed to those who are approaching these studies. Optical and genetic techniques developed over the last years have revolutionised plant cell biology. They enable in vivo studies of cell organisation, mainly based on the use of confocal microscopy and derivatives of the Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP). Such fluorescent proteins are extremely useful tools for directly monitoring gene expression and protein localisation, and for selectively labelling sub-cellular structures. GFP-expressing plants can be directly examined by confocal microscopy to obtain high-resolution optical sections of intact tissues and to allow time-lapse observation of dynamic processes. The application of such approaches to the investigation of root cell responses during arbuscular mycorrhizal colonisation is discussed.

Key words:

• laser scanning confocal microscopy
• plant cell biology
• GFP

Acknowledgements

The research presented in this review was funded by CEBIOVEM, Compagnia di San Paolo and PRIN 2006.