I am planning to trace the movement of nitrogen fertilizer in plant tissue. Since the use of labelled N is costly, i want to stain it instead to easily view its penetration in tissue under light microscope. Just like Alizarin Red S to stain calcium, is there any compound that i can use for nitrogen? Thank you!
Hi Alvin,
Ca++ is a free soluble dication, while Nitrogen isn't present in cells in a free form. It is incorporated in ammonium, nitrate, nitrite, amino-acids, purines ... so it cannot be "traced" in the same manner as Ca++.
Moreover you mention Alizarin that stains Ca++ IN BONES, not in all tissues. It stains immobilized Ca++ (CaPO4 for example), not soluble Ca++ present in endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria et al.
I'm afraid you have no other choice than using radioisotopes for your purpose.
Cheers
Oliv
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