CF Imager: micro-imaging of cells and chloroplasts

Using ancillary attachments to the CF Imager, the instrument may be used to investigate photosynthetic physiology at the cellular and subcellular level. The figure opposite shows reflected light and fluorescence images of guard cells and surrounding mesophyll cells in a Tradescantia leaf.

B and C are images of F' taken with 680 nm and 695 nm band-pass filters, respectively.

D and E are images of Fq'/Fm' constructed from B and C.

F and G are images of chloroplasts derived from the D and E images.

The technique offers a novel, and highly accurate way of investigating chloroplast performance non-invasively under physiological conditions.

For details see Lawson et al. (2002) Plant Physiol 128 1 - 11.