A new technique for visualizing proanthocyanidins by light microscopy

Abstract

We describe a new technique for visualizing proanthocyanidin-containing elements in plant tissues. Our innovation is the fixation of condensed tannins with an exogenous protein prior to alcohol dehydration. In this way, tannins do not undergo partial solubilization during the dehydration sequence and appear as sharply contoured globules of various diameters.

Key words::

• artifacts
• caffeine
• condensed tannins
• ethanol
• exogenous protein
• light microscopy
• localization
• proanthocyanidins

Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.