Time-Lapse Imaging of Developing Meristems Using Confocal Laser Scanning Microscope

Analysis of shoot meristem shape and gene expression pattern has been conducted in many species over the past decades. Recent live imaging techniques have allowed an unprecedented accumulation of data on the biology of meristematic cells, as well as a better understanding of the molecular and biophysical mechanisms behind shape changes in this tissue. Here we describe in detail how to prepare shoot apices of both Arabidopsis and tomato, in order to image them over time using a confocal microscope equipped with a long-distance water-dipping lens.