Novas estratégias para o estudo da anatomia vegetal

Abstract

Plant anatomy studies the internal structures of plants and the visualization of colored histological slides plays a crucial role in this process. The analysis of plant tissues requires the use of dyes to highlight differences among tissues. However, many traditionally used dyes are expensive, toxic, and harmful to the environment. Thus, the aim of this research was to evaluate the potential use of alternative dyes, natural and synthetic, of low cost, less toxic and less harmful to the environment, in the preparation of histological slides of the leaf anatomy of Caryocar brasiliense Camb and Anacardium humile A. St .-Hil. In addition, we developed didactic material with the protocols for preparing slides, which can be used in teaching and contextualizing plant anatomy. Three alternative dyes were used, one natural and extracted from the stem of a plant known as Rufão (Tontelea micrantha Mart.), and two synthetic dyes, pen inks and Gentian Violet. All tested dyes showed satisfactory results in the coloring of plant tissues, similar to the results found with dyes that are traditionally used in the plant anatomy studies. The protocols were described and illustrated, in a self-explanatory and very didactic material, with all the steps in the process such as material preparation, preparation of dye solutions, procedures adopted for coloring and clues for slides elaboration. This approach not only makes the study of plant anatomy more didactic and simpler, but also expands research possibilities in this area.