Autofluorescence in plant tissues is a common and useful phenomenon arising from a variety of endogenous biomolecules that absorb light in many regions of the near-ultraviolet and visible light spectrum. One of the primary contributors of plant autofluorescence is chlorophyll, but lignins, carotenes, and xanthophylls also produce a significant level of fluorescence emission when stimulated with the proper wavelengths. This digital image gallery examines natural autofluorescence in plant tissue thin sections using multiple excitation wavelengths with laser scanning confocal microscopy.
Beet Fleshy Root
Buttercup Stem
Cactus Stem
Carnation Leaf
Carrot Taproot
Castor Bean Seed
Cattail Leaf
Cherry Flower Bud
Clubmoss Leaf
Clubmoss Stem
Clubmoss Root
Coleus Stem
Corn Prop Root
Corn Rust
Cottonwood Pollen
Cup Fungus
Cycad Leaf
Cycas Sporangia
Dandelion Fruit
Elderberry Lenticel
Fleabane Flower
Ginkgo Embryo
Ginkgo Stem
Grass Leaf
Hair-Cap Moss
Hemlock Leaf
Hollyhock Rust
Lilac Leaf
Lily Flower Bud
Maple Pollen
Orchid Root
Pear Sclereids
Pine Wood
Porphyra Algae
Potato Tuber
Privet Leaf
Red Algae
Red Seaweed
Rubber Tree Leaf
Selaginella Stem
Selaginella Strobilus
Shepherd’s Purse
Sunflower Leaf
Sweet Flag Stem
Wheat Grain
Pine Blister Rust