Lasers as tools for mycology.

Methods of preparing fungal samples for chemical analysis are briefly considered. The basic principles employed in laser microscopy are outlined. The applications of the technique to mycology and to plant biology are discussed. Such a method allows chemical information to be obtained on the same sample and permits the detection of 74 elements in the periodic system of Mendeleev from lithium (3) to uranium (92). The preparative procedures are evaluated according to general histochemical principles. This technique requires little specimen preparation and has the advantage of not requiring large masses of tissue.