A comparison of F-actin labeling methods for light microscopy in different plant specimens: multiple techniques supplement each other.

Different detection methods for F-actin labeling were compared on a range of plant specimens: cultured cells, whole organ mounts and sectioned material. For cultured cells, microinjection of labeled phalloidin yielded the most detailed picture but careful permeation methods come close, while immunocytochemical methods always gave relatively poor detail, especially on the level of the fine filaments. For whole organ mounts and sectioned material, permeation methods and immunolocalization are the methods of choice, however never reaching the level of resolution of permeation methods in single cells. It is clear that there is no general and universal good method and multiple techniques are needed, especially when working with different specimens and with different aims.