X-RAY MICROSCOPY AND MICROTOMOGRAPHY - AP PLICATION IN BIOLOGY

X-ray shadow projection microscopy can bring valuable results in the f ield of biology. An X-ray projection microscope implemented in a SEM h as been developed in our laboratory. As an example, microradiographs o f calcified tissue are shown. A rotating sample stage allows computer X-ray tomography to be done at a resolution of 10 mu m. This technique overcomes the inherent difficulty of: microradiography, that all deta ils are superimposed. The applications presented here concerns the stu dy of vine buds at different stages of their maturity. The samples do not need to be fixed or stained. Only dehydration is required. Longitu dinal and transverse cross-sections through the sample, can be determi ned non destructively. To illustrate the capabilities of the technique , we present here two buds at stage 1 and 5. These results show the ad vantages that X ray microscopy and microtomography can offer to biolog ists.