Imaging Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization Mass Spectrometry: A technique to map plant metabolites within tissues at high spatial resolution

Abstract

Imaging Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization Mass Spectrometry provides a new and powerful tool to analyse the distribution of metabolites within plant tissues. The two matrices α-cyano-4-hydroxycinnamic acid (α-CHCA) and 9-aminoacridine provide a useful combination that allows the measurement of amino acids, sugars, and phosphorylated metabolites. Results are presented showing that representatives of these metabolites are unevenly distributed in wheat seeds at different stages of development and under temperature stress. © The Author [2006]. Published by Oxford University Press [on behalf of the Society for Experimental Biology]. All rights reserved.