3-DIMENSIONAL STUDY OF THE INTERCELLULAR GAS SPACE IN VIGNA-RADIATA HYPOCOTYL

Infiltration of the intercellular gas space is often used in physiolog ical experimentation either to reach internal targets with various bio chemical probes or to extract molecules from the apoplast. Such invest igations require a good understanding of the organization and structur e of the gas space system. This system was studied in the mung bean hy pocotyl using different approaches, in particular internal microcastin g of seedlings. Results show the presence of two continuous, more or l ess independent, networks, one in the cortical parenchyma, the other i n the pith. The narrow tubules of one or the other network connect all cells within a tissue. Infiltration with physiological solutions does not significantly disturb living cells, at least in the short term, b ut opens a large field for experimental applications.