Chaffey, N.J. ed. Wood formation in trees--cell and molecular biology techniques

Abstract

Wood formation is a highly complicated process involving an unbelievable variety of metabolic steps in the roots, stem and crown of shrubs and trees. At the centre of these processes is cambial activity which results in the release of young woody cells that undergo maturation until autolysis of the protoplast, indicating the final developmental stage. Later on, in various tree species, woody cells become further modified by an additional process called heartwood formation. The properties of wood that make it an appropriate raw material for many purposes are largely determined by the specific architecture of the cell walls. Difficulties in investigating these many developmental stages appear when routine techniques, which work well for soft plant tissues, are applied. Therefore, in most cases, these techniques need modification or the use of completely revised protocols to yield good results for woody tissues. Wood formation in trees—cell and molecular biology techniques, edited by Nigel Chaffey, contains a selection of papers describing a range of techniques from light microscopy to highly innovative techniques such as in situ hybridization and random amplification of polymorphic DNA. After a general introduction (‘Why study trees?’) in Chapter 1, the editor gives 11 reasons why trees are considered difficult to study in Chapter 2. The other 15 papers in the book provide extensive details of techniques, but also give an insight into the results that can be obtained by choosing the most appropriate procedure. In most of the articles, the problems of applying standard techniques are outlined clearly. The very detailed preparation protocols are supplemented by sections describing the equipment and chemicals needed. The latter are really helpful and are not normally included in articles published in wood science and other biological journals, but provide readers with key information to help them establish the techniques in their own laboratories. The individual contributions can generally be subdivided into two major groups, one covering the broad variety of microscopical techniques, the other cytochemistry, biochemistry and molecular techniques. The microscopy part contains a general article on light microscopy with numerous staining techniques, as well as articles on widely used methods, such as conventional transmission electron microscopy, cryofixation and deep etching, but also the rarely used secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS). Other less frequently applied techniques are also included in the book, e.g. immunolocalization of the cytoskeleton, autoradiography and UV microscopy. The second group of papers focuses on determination of wall and cytoplasm constituents. Topics include localization of pectins and pectin methylesterases, the key enzymes during lignification, such as CAD (cinnamyl alcohol dehydrogenase) and CCR (cinnamoyl CoA reductase), and biochemical analysis of carbohydrate metabolism, which requires cryosectioning. Finally, two papers give precise protocols for biochemistry and quantitative histochemistry as well as for protein analysis in woody tissues. The editor is to be congratulated for producing this very informative collection of papers with high quality micrographs, some of which are printed in colour. The drawings included in the description of preparation protocols also give a perfect insight into practical laboratory work and procedures. In summary, this book is highly recommended and should become a standard not only for libraries, but also as a personal copy for scientists working with woody tissues. It also serves as a rich source of scientific information regarding both structural and biochemical aspects of wood formation.