Analysis of Tracer Profiles with Applications to Phloem Transport

Abstract

Tracer experiments are quantitatively described in a way which is independent of the tracer profile, and hence the loading process. This enables properties of the transport system to be determined which are independent of tracer profile shape and hence of the loading process. Comparison is made between transit times obtained by this approach and by measurement directly from tracer fronts. The direct method is shown to give results which are dependent on the shape of the tracer profile. This method also enables in vivo measurement of leakage from the transport pathway.