Utilizing a double fluorescent label, Dr. Paddock has managed to capture dynamic endoplasmic reticulum structures in living plant cells with the confocal laser scanning microscope.

Endoplasmic Reticulum Specimen: ER in Plant Cells Technique: Fluorescence (Double Label)

The endoplasmic reticulum consists of a network of membranes called cisternae, and is the part of the cell that is responsible for the biosynthesis of lipids, proteins, and complex carbohydrates. This organelle typically accounts for more than half the total membrane in a cell. The two types of endoplasmic reticulum are rough and smooth. Rough endoplasmic reticulum contains ribosomes, and performs the function of protein synthesis, while smooth endoplasmic reticulum contains no ribosomes, and is primarily responsible for carbohydrate metabolism.