Abstract
We propose an alternative dehydrating agent for the preparation of pollen samples mounted in silicone oil. Isopropyl alcohol (propan-2-ol, or ‘IPA’) proves to be miscible with both water and silicone oil, and unlike tertiary-butyl alcohol (2-methyl-2-propanol, or ‘TBA’), the conventional dehydrating agent, IPA does not freeze at room temperature. Pollen preparations using IPA are therefore less problematic, especially in cold weather. Photos of fossil pollen samples prepared three months previous using IPA as a dehydrating agent show no difference to those prepared at the same time using TBA. We observed no size difference between Corylus avellana pollen grains dehydrated with IPA compared to those dehydrated using TBA in identically prepared samples. We also find that IPA evaporates from the pollen residue and silicone oil mixture more readily than TBA.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
