Imaging of Developing Metaxylem Vessel Elements in Cultured Hypocotyls.

An in vitro induction system for xylem vessel formation is a useful tool for visualizing the differentiation of xylem vessel cells. A procedure for inducing xylem vessel cell differentiation in hypocotyls of Arabidopsis thaliana is described here. Metaxylem vessel elements form ectopically in excised hypocotyl tissue following treatment with bikinin. This enables high-resolution imaging of living metaxylem vessel cells. The wide range of resources available for Arabidopsis allows for the visualization of diverse cellular structures, including microtubules and secondary cell walls, in different genetic backgrounds. Use of this system will contribute to the further understanding of the processes by which xylem vessel elements form.