Synchrotron Based X-ray Microtomography Reveals Cellular Morphological Features of Developing Wheat Grain
Source abstract
Abstract
Wheat is one of the most important crops in the world, mainly used for human consumption and animal feed. To overcome the increasing demand in wheat production, it is necessary to better understand the mechanisms involved in the growth of the wheat grain. X-ray computed tomography is an efficient method for the non-destructive investigation of the 3D architecture of biological specimens, which does not require staining, sectioning, or inclusion. In particular, phase-contrast tomography results in images with better contrast and an increased resolution compared to that obtained with laboratory tomography devices. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential of phase-contrast tomography for the study of the anatomy of the wheat grain at early stages of development. We provided 3D images of entire grains at various development stages. The image analysis allowed identifying a large number of tissues, and to visualize individual cells. Using a high-resolution setup, finer details were obtained, making it possible to identify additional tissues. Three-dimensional rendering of the grain also revealed the pattern resulting from the epidermis cells. X-ray phase-contrast tomography appears as a promising imaging method for the study of the 3D anatomy of plant organs and tissues.
Source: crossref · Quality: baseline
Research context
OpenAlex topics: Plant Water Relations and Carbon Dynamics · Bioenergy crop production and management · Plant nutrient uptake and metabolism
SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.
Affiliations
INRAE, UR BIA, 44316 Nantes, France
INRAE, PROBE Research Infrastructure, BIBS Facility, 44316 Nantes, France
PIAF, INRAE, Université Clermont Auvergne, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
Synchrotron SOLEIL, L’Orme des Merisiers, Saint-Aubin, 91192 Gif-sur-Yvette, France
INRAE, TRANSFORM, 44316 Nantes, France
UMR GDEC, INRAE, Université Clermont-Auvergne, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
Funding
Soleil Synchrotron · Région pays de la Loire
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