角质层的离析及显微观察方法

植物角质层的离析方法很多,获取化石植物的角质层可以同时用几种化学处理方法。舒氏液浸解是最常用的方法,也是几种方法共用时最关键的步骤。浸解液浓度过大或处理时间过长有可能破坏角质层的结构。对于已经获取到的角质层,利用相差光学显微技术可以增加反差。利用微分干涉光学显微技术不仅反差增加,而且有立体感,背景颜色也可以调节。荧光显微分析技术在不破坏标本的前提下,可以获取到表皮的特征。扫描电子显微镜具有观察不透明物体,放大范围广以及高的分辨力等优越性,可作为光学显微镜的必要补充。

Methods of maceration and microscopical analysis on cuticle

Cuticles are usually very resistant and can be isolated from the fossil specimens. Several methods of maceration can be applied in preparation of fossil cuticles. Maceration in Schulze's reagent is the most common procedure and it is the most critical step in the methods. The cuticles may be destroyed by strong maceration solution with longer time. The use of microscopy of phase-contrast is very useful for very thin cuticles as it shows greater contrast.The use of differential-interference is better than use of microscopy of phase-contrast for these thin cuticles, for it enhances the relief and makes fine structures visible. Fluorescence microscopy has the advantage that no maceration procedure is necessary and so the specimens are not damaged. Scanning electron microscopy is an essential and supplementary method in the analysis of cuticles for it produces high resolution, scientifically informative, three-dimensional images.