Cell sampling and analysis (SiCSA): metabolites measured at single cell resolution

By using a fine oil-filled glass microcapillary mounted on a micromanipulat or, the solutes of individual plant cells can be sampled, These samples can then be analysed using a range of physical and chemical methods, Hydrostat ic pressure (cell pressure probe), osmotic pressure (picolitre osmometer), organic solutes (enzyme-linked fluorescence microscope spectrometry or capi llary electrophoresis), inorganic solutes (X-ray microdroplet analysis or c apillary electrophoresis), C-14 (mass spectrometry), proteins (microdroplet immunoblotting), and mRNA (rt PCR) have been measured. Collectively, the b attery of techniques is called single cell sampling and analysis (SiCSA) an d all of the techniques have relevance to the study of plant metabolism at the resolution of the individual cell, This review summarizes the technique s for SiCSA and presents examples of applications used in this laboratory, in particular those relating to cell metabolism.