Scanning Electron Microscopy of Plant Roots

Abstract

A glycol methacrylate infiltration and polymerization technique was used to prepare clover roots inoculated with Rhizobium for scanning reflection electron microscopy. Root hairs and epidermal cells were coated with many bacteria; some bacteria seemed to be embedded in the wall surface. Root hair tips were often smooth but some older root hair surfaces showed a fibrillar meshwork pattern. Small granules c. 0.18 μm diameter were present on the root hair and epidermal cell walls. The root cap, some root hairs, and some epidermal cells were covered by an amorphous film thought to be the mucigel.