Epoxy Embedding, Sectioning and Staining of Plant Material for Light Microscopy

Abstract

By using a formula which gives a relatively soft epoxy embedding medium, it is possible to cut sections of plant material with a sliding microtome equipped with a regular steel knife. Blocks having a cutting face of 10 × 10 mm, giving sections of 4–10 μm, can be used. Tissues are fixed in Karnovsky's fluid, postfixed in 1 or 2% OsO4, embedded in Spurr's soft epoxy resin, Araldite, or Epon mixtures. 5% KMnO4, followed by 5% oxalic acid, then neutralized in 1% LiCO3, are used to mordant the sections. Some of the stains used are Mallory's phosphotungstic acid-hemotoxylin, acid fuchsin and toluidine blue, or toluidine blue. Mounting is done with whichever soft epoxy resin was used in casting the blocks.