Application of X-ray microanalysis to cell suspensions of oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.).

X-ray microanalysis has been used to determine the elemental composition of oil-palm (Elaeis guineesis) cell suspensions without the use of cryoprotectants. Results based on individual cells were gathered over a typical growth cycle of 14 d. During the log phase (5-7 d) there is an increase in the number of cells containing high concentrations of both K (400 mmol kg(-1) dry weight) and P (400 mmol kg(-1) dry weight). Morphologically these cells had thin cell walls and were frequently joined to other cells (two to five cells per clump).