Observations on the Fine Structure of Plant Cell Walls: I. Use of Permanganate Staining

Aqueous solutions of potassium and barium permanganates usedas post-stains for ultra thin sections are effective in revealingthe microfibrillar framework of parenchymatous walls when thetissues are extracted, prior to embedding, with macerating andclearing agents for non-cellulosic wall components. Images ofthe collenchymatous wall in permanganate-stained sections ofCucurbita petioles treated variously with pectinase, protease,H₂O₂-acetic acid and NaOH are presented.