Abstract
Methods for analyzing the distribution of mineral elements were applied to the tissues in the shoot apex of the Pharbitis nil., a short-day-plant. The fluorescent probes of Mag-fluo-4 AM and Fluo-3 AM were used for visualizing the distribution of Mg and Ca, respectively. Results showed that there was a difference between the distribution patterns of these elements. Magnesium was highly accumulated at the top of the shoot apex, whereas Ca distribution was rather homogeneous throughout the shoot apex. After the 16-hour's dark period, there appeared the different distribution pattern of Mg, suggesting the specific role of Mg to flower induction. The results shown by the method of the fluorescence probes was supported by SEM-EDS analysis where freeze-dried sections of the shoot apex were applied.
