AN ISOLATION UNIT FOR SUPPLYING RADIOISOTOPES TO SPECIFIC SEGMENTS OF AN INTACT ROOT

A device useful for supplying radioactive ions to specific segments of intact roots is described. A small volume of aerated, radioactive culture solution may be circulated around an isolated segment of a root, while the remainder of that root and the other roots of the plant are exposed to non-radioactive culture solution. Any root which does not have lateral roots extending beyond the epidermis can be inserted into the device without handling the root itself. No sealants are required to achieve a leak-proof seal above and below the root segment. The use of flexible rubber membranes to isolate root segments causes no detectable damage to root cells where the membranes contact the root epidermis.