Quantitative Microanalysis of Nitrogen Distribution in Carpospores of Gracilaria secundata with Scanning Auger Microscopy

Authors

Åke Lignell, Uppsala University
Rein Kalm, Uppsala University
Godfried M. Roomans, Biomedical Center, Uppsala
Angelica von Hofsten, Uppsala University
Olof Vingsbo, Uppsala University

Abstract

Quantitative microanalysis has been performed with a JAMP 10 Scanning Auger Microscope at 0.5 μm spot size, on carpospores of Gracilaria secundata Harv.. Samples were fixed in glutaraldehyde and osmium tetroxide and embedded in plastic material. Thin sections were placed on solid copper discs. the surfaces of which had been smoothed by electropolishing.

Quantification of the nitrogen content was performed using a standard with known content of nitrogen.

Nitrogen was localized in the nucleus, chloroplasts and osmiophilic inclusions of the carpospore. Trace amounts of nitrogen were also found in cell walls, starch grains and in the embedding material.

The use of Scanning Auger Microscopy on biological material is discussed.

Recommended Citation

Lignell, Åke; Kalm, Rein; Roomans, Godfried M.; von Hofsten, Angelica; and Vingsbo, Olof (1989) "Quantitative Microanalysis of Nitrogen Distribution in Carpospores of Gracilaria secundata with Scanning Auger Microscopy," Scanning Microscopy: Vol. 3: No. 1, Article 7.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/microscopy/vol3/iss1/7