High resolution optical microscopy for plants

The last twenty years have seen a revolution in the application of optical techniques to the study of biological systems. This largely due to the development of highly specific fluorescent labelling methods, and optical techniques such as confocal laser scanning microscopy. For example, different coloured fluorescent proteins are now used routinely to decorate cells and subcellular structures in living tissues, and optical sectioning techniques allow the precise visualisation of these labels.The techniques are being used to map gene expression and visualise signalling events within the 3D cellular architecture of developing organisms - developed in the Haseloff Lab.