Polarised Light Micrograph Collection (#2)

Foraminiferans, light micrograp
Foraminiferans, polarised light micrograph. Foraminiferans are marine single-celled protists that construct and inhabit shells (tests)

Saccharin crystals, light micrograph
Saccharin crystals, polarised light micrograph. Saccharin is the familiar name for the artificial sweetener 2, 3-Dihydro-3- oxobenzisosulphonazole or o-Sulphobenzimide

Silver fir wood, light micrograph
Silver fir (Abies alba). Light micrograph taken with polarised light, showing a section through a piece of silver fir wood

Oestradiol, female sex hormone
Female sex hormone. Polarised light micrograph of crystals of Oestradiol, also known as beta- Estradiol. This is the most potent of the six naturally-occurring oestrogens

Adrenaline, polarized light micrograph
Adrenaline. Polarized light micrograph of crystals of adrenaline (epinephrine). This is a hormone produced in the adrenal glands above the kidneys

Zeolite crystals, polarised LM
Zeolite crystals, polarised light micrograph. Zeolites are hydrated aluminosilicates that have a micro-porous structure. They are used as catalysts in the chemical industry

Serotonin crystals, light micrograph
Serotonin. Polarised light micrograph of serotonin, a neurotransmitter. Serotonin is derived from tryptophan, and is found in the vertebrate brain

Vitamin C, polarised light micrograph
Vitamin C crystals, polarised light micrograph. Vitamin C, ascorbic acid, is an essential vitamin that is found in fruit and green vegetables

Gabbro rock, polarised light micrograph

Grape vine stem, light micrograph
Grape vine stem. Polarised light micrograph of a cross-section through a young stem from the grape vine (Vitis vinifera). Most of the stem is a large central pith made up of parenchyma tissue (blue)

Stellate plant hair, light micrograph
Stellate plant hair. Polarised light micrograph of a stellate hair on the surface of a Deutzia scabra plant. These plant hairs (trichomes) covering the epidermis

Tree growth rings, light micrograph
Tree growth rings. Polarised light micrograph of a cross-section through a woody stem, showing a portion of an annual ring of xylem tissue with periods of seasonal growth

Virginia creeper stem, light micrograph
Virginia creeper stem. Polarised light micrograph of a cross-section through a stem from a Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus tricuspidatus)

Pine tree needle, light micrograph
Pine tree needle. Polarised light micrograph of a cross-section through a needle from a Pinus pine tree. This leaf is needle-like in order to reduce water loss (transpiration)

Tree-of-heaven stem, light micrograph
Tree-of-heaven stem. Polarised light micrograph of a cross-section through the stem of the tree-of-heaven (Ailanthus glandulosa). Below the outer layers (red) is a ring of vascular bundles

Skin section, light micrograph
Skin section. Semi-polarised light micrograph of a vertical section through human skin. The outer epidermis is the thin layer across top, with the dermis layer beneath it

Sea urchin spine, light micrograph
Sea urchin spine. Polarised light micrograph of a cross-section through a spine from an Echinus sea urchin. Sea urchin spines consist of supporting calcareous radial plates

Bracken fern rhizome, light micrograph
Bracken fern rhizome. Polarised light micrograph of a cross-section through a rhizome from a bracken fern (Pteris aquilinum). The outer layer (yellow-green) consists of supporting fibres

Nettle stinging hair, light micrograph
Nettle stinging hair. Polarised light micrograph of a stinging hair from a Roman nettle (Urtica pilulifera). This tapering needle-shaped cell consists of a round basal part embedded in a

Fish scales, light micrograph
Fish scales. Polarised light micrograph of part of the skin of a fish, showing the placoid protective scales. These scales are found under the epidermis, and are made of bone-like dentine

Basalt, thin section, polarised LM
Polarised light micrograph of a thin section of basalt, an igneous rock. In this image, large coloured crystals appear embedded in the fine-grained basalt matrix

Hippuric acid crystals, light micrograph
Polarised light micrograph of Hippuric Acid crystals. Hippuric acid is one of the purine family of amino-acids, and is also known as Benzoylaminoacetic Acid or N-benzoylglycine

Burdock stem, light micrograph
Burdock stem. Polarised light micrograph of a cross-section through the stem of a burdock plant (Arctium lappa). The outer layers below the epidermis are the collenchyma (red patches)

Insulin crystals, light micrograph
Insulin. Polarised light micrograph (PLM) of crystals of the hormone insulin. The crystals appear hexagonal in shape. The insulin molecule is made up of two chains of amino acids (A & B chains)

Progesterone hormone, light micrograph
Progesterone hormone. Polarised light micrograph of crystals of female sex hormone progesterone. Progesterone is the most potent of the naturally- occurring progestogens, a class of steroid hormones

Silver Nitrate, light micrograph
Composite crystals of Silver Nitrate, polarised light micrograph

Vitamin B7 crystals, light micrograph
Vitamin B7 crystals, polarised light micrograph. Vitamin B7, also called biotin or vitamin H, is an essential nutrient used by the body in cell growth

Adenosine crystals, light micrograph
Adenosine crystals, polarised light micrograph. Adenosine is a nucleoside molecule composed of the base adenine bonded to the sugar ribose

Enkephalin crystals, light micrograph
Enkephalin crystals, polarised light micrograph. Enkephalin is an endorphin found in the human brain. There are two variants: Met-enkephalin (seen here), which contains the amino acid methionine

Vitamin B1 crystals, light micrograph
Vitamin B1 crystals, polarised light micrograph. Vitamin B1, also called thiamine, is an essential nutrient that humans are unable to produce and so need to obtain from their diet

Cholecystokinin crystals, polarised light micrograph. Cholecystokinin (CCK) is a hormone responsible for promoting the digestion of fats and proteins

Glutamic acid crystals, light micrograph
Glutamic acid crystals, polarised light micrograph. Glutamic acid is an non-essential amino acid, in which it can be synthesised by the body and does not need to be obtained from food

Cortisol crystals, light micrograph
Cortisol crystals, polarised light micrograph. Cortisol is a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal glands, which sit on top of the kidneys

GABA crystals, light micrograph
GABA crystals. Polarised light micrograph of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter (nerve signalling chemical) that regulates the excitability of all nerve cells

Acetylcholine crystals, light micrograph
Acetylcholine crystals, polarised light micrograph. Acetylcholine (ACh) is a neurotransmitter (nerve signalling chemical) that plays an important role in relaying impulses at myoneural (muscle-nerve)

Retinoic acid crystal, light micrograph
Retinoic acid crystal, polarised light micrograph. Retinoic acid is one of three forms of vitamin A; the other two are retinol and retinal

Cholecystokinin crystal, polarised light micrograph. Cholecystokinin (CCK) is a hormone responsible for promoting the digestion of fats and proteins

NMDA crystals, light micrograph
NMDA crystals, polarised light micrograph. NMDA (N-methyl-D-aspartic acid) is an amino acid derivative and a neurotransmitter (nerve signalling chemical)

Immunoglobulin crystals, light micrograph
Immunoglobulin crystals, polarised light micrograph. Immunoglobulins, or antibodies, are a type of globulin protein that are produced by B cells (a type of white blood cell)

Butchers broom stem, light micrograph
Butchers broom stem. Polarised light micrograph of a section through a butchers broom stem (Ruscus aculeatis) showing many vascular bundles (dark clusters) within the plant cortex (orange)

Umbrella grass stem, light micrograph
Umbrella grass stem. Polarised light micrograph of a section through a umbrella grass stem (Cyperus alternifolius). Vascular bundles (brown) can be seen containing xylem (larger openings)

Purple moor grass stem, light micrograph
Purple moor grass stem. Polarised light micrograph of a section through a purple moor grass stem (Molinia caerula). Vascular bundles (round orange structures)

Bamboo stem, light micrograph
Bamboo stem. Polarised light micrograph of a section through a bamboo stem (Bambusa vulgaris). Vascular bundles can be seen (yellow/green) containing xylem (larger openings)

Maize stem, light micrograph
Maize stem. Polarised light micrograph of a section through a maize plant stem (Zea mays). A vascular bundles (brown) can be seen containing xylem (larger openings)

Spiny rush stem, light micrograph
Spiny rush stem. Polarised light micrograph of a section through a spiny rush stem (Juncus actus). Vascular bundles can be seen (purple/red) containing xylem (larger openings)

Sugar cane stem, light micrograph
Sugar cane stem. Polarised light micrograph of a section through a sugar cane stem (Saccharum officinareum). Vascular bundles (round blue/purple structures)

Sarsaparilla plant stem, light micrograph
Maize root. Polarised light micrograph of a section through the root of a sarsaparilla plant (Smilax regelii) showing a vascular cylinder

Inulin crystals, light micrograph
Inulin crystals. Polarised light micrograph of inulin crystals (yellow) stored inside a Dahlia sp. root tuber. Inulin is a naturally-occurring plant sugar found in the roots or rhizomes of some

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Capturing the mesmerizing beauty of microscopic crystals through polarised light micrography is truly a sight to behold. In this captivating world, caffeine crystals take center stage, showcasing their intricate patterns and delicate structure under the lens. The vibrant hues and symmetrical arrangements of these caffeine crystals create a visual spectacle that leaves us in awe. Moving on from caffeine, oxytocin hormone crystals make their appearance in PLM C016 / 7196, revealing an enchanting display of shimmering facets. These tiny wonders hold within them the power to evoke feelings of love and bonding. Similarly, oxytocin crystals captured in another light micrograph unveil their breathtaking elegance as they glisten with ethereal radiance. Cortisol crystals also join the lineup, offering a glimpse into their unique composition through yet another stunning light micrograph. Their sharp edges and intricate formations remind us of the complex nature of stress hormones present within our bodies. Returning to caffeine once again, its crystalline form takes on new dimensions when observed under polarised light microscopy. The interplay between colors and shapes creates an otherworldly landscape that transports us into a realm where science meets art. Testosterone makes its grand entrance through PLM crystal imagery, displaying its own distinct patterned arrangement that reflects strength and vitality. This snapshot allows us to appreciate the intricacies hidden within this essential hormone for both men and women alike. Insulin crystals come alive in yet another mesmerizing light micrograph (C017 / 8249), showcasing their delicate symmetry while reminding us of their vital role in regulating blood sugar levels within our bodies. Oxytocin hormone returns once more (LM C016 / 7195), captivating our imagination with its alluring crystal formation that hints at deep emotional connections we share as humans - bonds formed by trust, empathy, and compassion. Amidst these crystalline marvels lies a water fern rhizome captured under bright illumination.