In Vivo Visualization of Flow in Xylem Vessels of a Bamboo Using X-ray Micro-imaging Technique

X-ray 미세영상기법을 이용한 식물 목질부 내부 수액 유동의 계측

Synchrotron X-ray micro-imaging technique was employed to monitor non-invasively the refilling process of water inside the xylem vessels in bamboo leaves. The consecutive phase-contrast X-ray images clearly show both plant anatomy and the transport of water inside the xylem vessels. Traces of water-rise, vapor bubbles and variations of contact angle between the water front and the xylem wall were measured in real time. During the refilling process, air bubbles are removed when the rising water front halts at a vessel end for a while. Subsequently, it starts rising again at a higher velocity than the normal refilling speed. Repeated cavitation seems to deteriorate the refilling ability in xylem vessels. In dark environment, the water refilling process in xylem vessels is facilitated more effectively than in bright illuminated conditions. Finally, X-ray micro-imaging was famed to be a powerful, high resolution, real time imaging tool to investigate the water refilling process in xylem vessels.