Plant tissue clearing for fluorescence imaging

Abstract

Fluorescent proteins enable us to visualize not only single cells but also organelles and molecules. However, plants have opaque bodies, complicated tissue structures containing air spaces, and autofluorescent compounds, which hinder fluorescence imaging of plants without mechanical sectioning. Recently, various clearing techniques have been developed for plant tissues to reduce the mismatch of refractive index and to remove the colored components. In this review, we will describe various clearing techniques for fluorescence imaging in plants.