Phosphotungstic Acid-Chromic Acid as a Selective Electron-Dense Stain for Plasma Membranes of Plant Cells

Abstract

A mixture consisting of 1% phosphotungstic acid (PTA) in 10% chromic acid (CrO3) selectively stains the plasma membrane of plant cells. Whole tissue or pelleted cell fractions are prepared for electron microscopy using conventional methods including glutaraldehyde fixation and OsO4 postfixation, dehydration in acetone and embedding in Epon. To stain the plasma membrane, thin sections are transferred with a plastic loop to the surface of a 1% aqueous solution of periodic acid for 30 min for destaining. Following transfer through 5 distilled water rinses, the sections are exposed to the PTA-CrO3 mixture for 5 min, rinsed and mounted on grids for viewing with the electron microscope. The selectivity of the stain is retained in homogenates and serves to identify the plant plasma membrane in cell fractions.