Investigation of semi-thin cryosections of lichens by laser microprobe mass spectrometry

Abstract The application of the laser microprobe mass spectrometry to the in-situ characterization of organic aromatic constituents in cryosections of microlichens is described. The samples were photographed before and after microprobe measurement by fluorescence microscopy or transmission electron microscopy to obtain more detailed information on the histological distribution of the compounds examined within the biological structures. This new technology has major advantages for integrated study of the morphology, anatomy and chemistry of plants.