A simple technique for cross-sectioning Gymnosperm needle leaves using microtome

Abstract

If a staining-permanent slide is not needed, this simple and faster microtome technique is very useful for cross-sectioning Gymnosperm needle leaves. The technique employs 2× polyvinyl alcohol-lactic acid-glycerol (PVLG) without the steps of fixation, dehydration, clearing, embedding, deparaffinisation, and hydration. Conveniently, this technique can also be applied to thick leaves and other organs of Angiosperms. The procedure is very simple and is suggested for use in plant anatomy research. © TÜBİTAK.