Russian Academy of Science, Institute of Cell Biophysics, 142292 Moscow Region, Pushchino

Abstract

The microspectrofluorimetry has been used for the identification of intactsecretory cells filled with the secondary metabolism products, basing on theirfluorescence characteristics. Various types of secreting cells: terpenoid-, phenol-, alkaloid-, amine-containing secretory cells (glandular cells, hairs, resin ducts, hydathodes, nectaries, stinging cells, etc.) have been studied to demonstrate theresources of the technique. The fluorescence of secretory cells was due to chemicalcomposition of their secretions. The filling of the cells with a secretion and itsremoving are easily observed in these conditions that can serve as an indicator ofthe cell state in vivo.