Leica MZ16 Stereomicroscope

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In recent years, rapid changes continue to take place in microscopy.  The quality of images obtained through a stereomicroscope has been improving with better design of the objectives used.  The usefulness of a stereomicroscope is that it allows us to see surface features as well as internal stained structures, as long as the specimen is clear.  A conventional light microscope with low power objectives will not be able to examine objects that are relatively large in size as the transmitted light is not strong enough to resolve the internal structural details of a specimen.  At present, we are studying the process of meristem formation during somatic embryogenesis and organogenesis using Arabidopsis zygotic embryos and seedling root segments as explants.  We are making use of a number of enhancer-trap lines with GUS (beta-glucuronidase) as the marker gene.  We can visualize the change in meristem gene activity indirectly through positive GUS staining.  Using this approach, we have confidence that we can study the early events and the cellular basis of meristem formation.  In order to see changes associated with the regeneration process and to identify cells that are meristem initials, we need the proper tool to visualize changes at the surface as well as within the explants.  Hence, a quality stereomicroscope with a high resolving power is an absolute must.  The Leica MZ16 stereomicroscope has the highest standard magnification of 115X and if needed, a new 2X PlanApo objective is also available. This stereomicroscope will also be used by graduate and senior undergraduate students.  This will also be an excellent teaching tool as many students are unaware of the power of simple observation; many do not know how to look and extract information from their experimental material!