In this video, we describe the Maule staining technique for staining syringyl lignin present in the specialized plant cells. This staining technique helps to characterize the lignin distribution in the xylem and interfascicular fibers.
Protocol
1. Mäule Staining Dissolve 0.2 g of potassium permanganate in 40 ml distilled water to prepare a 0.5% potassium permanganate solution. Store in a dark bottle at room temperature for a maximum of 7 days. Prepare a 3.7% HCl solution by adding 1 ml concentrated HCl (37 N) to 9 ml distilled water (1:10). Prepare a fresh 3.7% HCl solution on the day of the experiment. Make sure that the 37 N HCl stock solution being used is not too old. Concentrated ammonium hydroxide solution (14.8 M) s…
Representative Results
Figure 1. Mäule staining of A. thaliana stem cross-sections. Mäule staining (red color) of a wild type A. thaliana stem section showing the normal lignin deposition in the walls of interfascicular fibers and xylem cells (A-E). The positions of the epidermis and cortex (Ep), interfascicular fibers (Fi), pith (Pi), and xylem (Xy) are indicated. Magnifications: Panel A: 5X; Panel B: 10X; Panel C: 20X; Panels D and E: 40X….
Maule Staining for Lignin: A Technique to Characterize Lignin Distribution in Arabidopsis Thaliana Stem Sections. J. Vis. Exp. (Pending Publication), e21058, doi: (2023).