title: Display of mitochondria in root tip cells.
abstract: A method for displaying mitochondria and proplastids in root tip sections of Tradescantia paludosa and cereals was modified from Altmann and Volkonsky. Root tips were fixed in 3% glutaraldehyde in phosphate buffer, pH 7.1, or acetate buffer, pH 4.8, for 3 hr, rinsed and postchromed overnight in 3% potassium dichromate, all at room temperature (20 C), dehydrated through a tertiary butanol series and embedded in ester wax. Four-micrometer sections were stained in hot acid fuchsin in aniline water, rinsed, treated with 1% sodium phosphomolybdate for 30 sec, rinsed and stained progressively with azure B for 3-10 min before being made permanent. Mitochondria and proplastids were stained brilliant crimson against a light blue cytoplasm with deep blue chromosomes. Previously reported difficulties with Altmann staining techniques are attributed to the erratic action of the classical fixatives used.
mesh_terms: D000814:Aniline Compounds; D008928:Mitochondria / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D008982:Molybdenum; D010756:Phosphoric Acids; D010944:Plants / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D012394:Rosaniline Dyes; D013194:Staining and Labeling / Q000379:methods*
chemical_list: D000814:Aniline Compounds; D010756:Phosphoric Acids; D012394:Rosaniline Dyes; D008982:Molybdenum; C003125:phosphomolybdic acid; C023650:aniline