A method for preparing spaceflight RNAlater-fixed Arabidopsis thaliana (Brassicaceae) tissue for scanning electron microscopy.

This research paper explores a new method for studying plant cells, specifically Arabidopsis thaliana (a common model organism in plants), after they have been exposed to space-like conditions during flight on the International Space Station. The scientists wanted to understand how these unique environments affect cellular structures and gene expression within the leaves of this small flowering plant that belongs to a large family called Brassicaceae, which includes mustard greens among other plants. To do so, they used an innovative approach where RNA (the molecules responsible for carrying genetic information) is preserved in leaf tissues using something known as "RNAlater." This substance helps to keep the cellular details intact after being fixed with a special chemical that preserves them. The researchers then examined these samples under an electron microscope, which allows us to see incredibly small structures like organelles (the tiny organs within cells) in great detail - something not possible before using this method.

The research paper presents a novel methodology for preparing spaceflight Arabidopsis thaliana (BRASSICACEAE) tissue fixed with RNA later, specifically designed to facilitate scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The study's primary objective was to preserve the three-dimensional morphology of tered leaves and their flowering identity post spaceflight. The method involves a rigorous four-hour dehydration process using distilled H2O, followed by fixation with RNA later solution (Eric Richard Chevalier et al., Karen L. Kelley, and Anna-Lisa Paul). The authors aimed to minimize the fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) signal from GFP while maintaining DsRed's integrity during SEM analysis post spaceflight exposure. Key findings indicate that this method effectively preserves tered leaf morphology and flowering identity, with minimal FRET interference in the imaging process.