Measuring Microfibrillar Angles Using Light Microscopy

Abstract

A rapid, reliable method of enhancing microfibrillar angles for viewing in wood cell walls, a modification of I. W. Bailey's technique, is reviewed. Dried microtomed sections are treated with an iodinepotassium iodide solution and nitric acid to produce crystals in cell walls of softwood tracheids or hardwood fibers. The crystals are aligned with the predominant microfibrillar angle and may be easily viewed and measured.