The Microtome-Cryostat for Cutting Woody Tissues

Authors

  • Harvey D. Erickson
  • Yang-Hsien Chen

Keywords:

<i>Tsuga heterophylla</i>, <i>Pseudotsuga menziesii</i>, <i>Pinus</i> spp, <i>Alnus rubra</i>, <i>Picea alba</i>, wood structure, histology, cryostat, microtomy

Abstract

A microtome-cryostat was used on short blocks to produce high-quality frozen sections of woody tissues suitable for staining and mounting with no use of organic solvents. The method leaves the extractives intact. Temperatures about -30 C were preferred. Transverse sections were of excellent quality and were usually better than longitudinal sections. A high degree of water saturation is necessary for good ice-embedding support. Sections from 2 to 12 μm thick were cut from the wood of Douglas-fir, western hemlock, southern pine, and red alder. Phloem tissue was sectioned successfully. The cryostat method deserves more general use since it is more convenient and casier to control than the usual CO2 cooling system.

References

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Published

2007-06-05

Issue

Number 1 / Spring 1973

Section

Research Contributions

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