Fluorescence microscopy techniques in the research on the endomembrane system of plant cells

Abstract

Rapid development of fluorescence microscopy, including confocal microscopy, combined with the utilization of the methodologies of molecular biology, significantly accelerated the development of molecular cell biology. Research in plant cell biology slightly lags behind, mainly due to marked structural and functional dissimilarity of plant cells. This paper summarizes the current state of research on plant endomembrane system with respect to the utilization of differentiated approaches and methods of cell biology. The use of markers, both chemical and genetic, which enable localization of macromolecules and biological processes is indicated. Chemical substances perturbing the functioning of the endomembrane system and thus enabling to draw conclusions on the role of specific proteins are listed and discussed. Finally, use of novel approaches and microscopic techniques to the research of plant cells is demonstrated. Where applicable, problems arising due to the specific composition, structure and function of plant cells, are also considered.