Imaging Technologies for Plant Structure

Question 1

Describe how magnetic resonance imaging is used to determine plant structure

Answer 1

MRI uses radiowaves and a magnetic field, takes a series of images to generate a 3D image, plants are grown in clear containers

Question 2

Describe positron emission tomography

Answer 2

PET uses radioactive tracers to follow the path of substances through organisms, detects radiation using isotopes.

Question 3

Describe X-ray computed microtomography

Answer 3

Uses x-rays to create cross sections of an object to recreate a visual model. Non destructive. Sample is rotated and hundreds of images are taken. 3D computer image is studied for arrangement of internal tissues.

Question 4

What is a radioactive tracer?

Answer 4

A compound in which one or more molecules has been replaced with a radioisotope.

Question 5

Describe how radioisotopes have been used to investigate photosynthesis.

Answer 5

Carbon isotopes 11 and 14 where used by Melvin Calvin to show that sunlight acts on chlorophyll to begin photosynthesis. Radioisotopes where used to determine that only the oxygen from water is released as oxygen gas in photosynthesis.

Question 6

Provide examples of radioisotope tracing technologys

Answer 6

The Real-Time Radioactive Imaging System (RRIS) is a non-destructive technology that can visualise the movement of substances in the phloem. PanTIS is a PET scanner for plants that traces carbon 11 in the glucose model.