Lignin Collection

Silver birch twig, SEM
Silver birch twig. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of a section through a silver birch (Betula pendula) twig. At the centre of the twig (top centre left) is the pith

Xylem tissue, SEM
Xylem tissue. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of a section through xylem tissue from a dicotyledon rootlet. Xylem vessels (purple)

Wood, light micrograph
Wood. Light micrograph of a transverse section through wood showing annual growth rings (near horizontal bands). A years growth consists of a porous band, which is the slow winter growth

Pods hanging from branches of Ceiba pentandra, Kapok Tree

Buttercup stem, SEM
Buttercup stem. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of a section through the stem of a buttercup (Ranunculus sp.) plant

Balsa wood structure, SEM
Balsa wood structure, coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM). This wood is from the balsa tree (Ochroma pyramidale). This is a longitudinal section through the wood

Xylem plant cells, SEM
Xylem plant cells. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of xylem cells from a bog myrtle (Myrica gale). The xylem transports water and mineral nutrients from the roots throughout the plant

Elm wood, SEM
Elm wood. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of a transverse section through wood from an elm tree (Ulmus procera). Xylem vessels (holes) are seen in the wood

Wood, SEM
Wood. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of a section through wood showing the phloem vessels (dark green holes) and xylem tissue (lower frame)

Orchid pseudo bulb, light micrograph
Orchid pseudo bulb. Light micrograph of a section through the bulb of a Phaius grandifolia orchid, showing large starch grains (triangular)

Petrified Tree trunk, Libya
Petrified wood (from Greek root petro meaning " rock" or " stone" ; literally " wood turned into stone" ) in the Libyan desert

Xylem and phloem plant tissue, SEM
Xylem and phloem plant tissue. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of a transverse section through the stem of a woody plant

Nettle leaf stalk structures, LM
Nettle leaf stalk structures. Polarised light micrograph (LM) of a nettle leaf (Urtica dioica), which has been boiled up with dilute sodium hydroxide to separate the cells

Stem section, SEM
Stem section. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of a section through a stem of a woody dicotyledon plant. This stem consists mainly of secondary xylem tissue (orange, centre)

Woody stem section, SEM
Woody stem section. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of a section through a stem of a woody plant. At upper centre is the pith (orange), which consists of soft, spongy parenchyma cells

Primary wood, light micrograph
Primary wood of a tree. Light micrograph of a vertical section of the primary wood or xylem of a tree showing wood vessels with lignified annular, spiral and scalariform supporting thickenings

Tree xylem vessels, light micrograph
Tree xylem vessels. Polarised light micrograph of a vertical section through the primary wood vessels (xylem vessels) of a tree

Root section, SEM
Root section. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of a section through a root of a woody dicotyledon plant. This root consists of secondary xylem tissue (yellow, centre)

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"Lignin: The Mighty Support System in Nature's Architecture From the intricate silver birch twig to the robust xylem tissue, lignin plays a crucial role in providing strength and structure. Under the scanning electron microscope (SEM), we can witness its remarkable presence. In the SEM image of xylem tissue, lignin forms a network of interconnected fibers that transport water and nutrients throughout plants. This complex system ensures their survival and growth. The light micrograph of wood showcases lignin as it gives wood its characteristic hardness and durability. Its presence is vital for trees to withstand external pressures and environmental challenges. Observe the pods hanging from branches of Ceiba pentandra, also known as Kapok Tree – they owe their resilience to lignin. These pods protect seeds until they are ready for dispersal, showcasing nature's ingenious design. Even delicate stems like those found in buttercup flowers possess lignin under scrutiny by SEM. It reinforces their structure, allowing them to stand tall amidst gentle breezes or heavy raindrops. Delving deeper into balsa wood's structure through SEM reveals how lignin contributes to its lightweight yet sturdy composition. This unique combination makes balsa wood an ideal material for various applications such as model making or insulation. Xylem plant cells captured under SEM highlight how lignin provides support within these microscopic structures. It enables efficient water transportation while maintaining stability against internal pressure fluctuations. Elm wood exhibits an abundance when examined closely with SEM – a testament to its exceptional strength and resistance against decay or damage over time. Nature has truly fortified this species with this remarkable substance. As we explore more images of elm wood under SEM, we witness the intricate patterns formed by intertwined layers of cellulose reinforced by abundant deposits of resilient lignin fibers. " Lignin stands out as one of nature's unsung heroes - silently but powerfully contributing to the structural integrity and longevity across various plant species.