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Balsa wood structure, SEM
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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, showing large vessels (centre) that are part of the xylem tissue which transports water and minerals round the tree. Surrounding these is the coarse open grain, made up of air-filled chambers known as fibres and formed from sclerenchyma cells. It is these air-filled chambers that give balsa wood its low density compared to other woods. Magnification: x175 when printed 10 centimetres wide
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Media ID 9195021
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Buoyant Chamber Chambers Fibre Fibres Honey Combed Honeycomb Light Light Weight Lightweight Lignin Longitudinal Low Density Materials Science Sclerenchyma Structural Tracheid Tracheids Tube Tubes Wood Xylem Balsa Wood Cells Section Sectioned
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This print showcases the intricate beauty of a balsa wood structure, captured through a coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM). The image provides a longitudinal section view, revealing the remarkable composition of this unique wood derived from the balsa tree (Ochroma pyramidale). At its core, we see large vessels that belong to the xylem tissue, responsible for transporting water and minerals throughout the tree. Surrounding these vessels is an open grain with a coarse texture. This grain consists of air-filled chambers formed by sclerenchyma cells. It is precisely these chambers that contribute to balsa wood's exceptional lightweight nature when compared to other woods. With a magnification level of x175 when printed at 10 centimetres wide, this SEM image allows us to appreciate the structural complexity and biological marvels hidden within this humble material. The vibrant colours highlight various components such as tubes, fibres, tracheids, and lignin. Balsa wood's buoyant properties are owed to its honeycombed structure composed of countless air-filled chambers. As we delve into this microscopic world through Science Photo Library's lens, we gain insight into botany and materials science alike. This awe-inspiring photograph serves as a testament to both nature's ingenuity and scientific exploration in unraveling its secrets.
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