Supportive Collection (#3)

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)

Reed canary grass stem, light micrograph
Reed canary grass stem. Light micrograph of a section through a reed canary grass stem (Phalaris arundinacea). Vascular bundles (oval yellow and red structures)

Dragon tree stem, light micrograph
Dragon tree stem. Light micrograph of a section through a dragon tree stem (Dracaena draco). Vascular bundles (round dark structures) can be seen containing xylem (larger openings)

Lilac stem, light micrograph
Lilac stem. Light micrograph of a transverse section through the young woody stem of a lilac (Fraxinus excelsior) tree. The thick epidermis (solid green) is being sloughed (pushed/broken)

Common broom stem, light micrograph
Common broom stem. Light micrograph of a transverse section through the stem of a common broom (Salicornia europaea) plant

Ash stem, light micrograph
Ash stem. Light micrograph of a transverse section through the woody stem of an ash (Fraxinus excelsior) tree showing four growth rings (concentric circles)

Young pine tree stem, light micrograph
Young pine tree stem. Light micrograph of a transverse section through a two and a half-year-old stem of a pine tree (Pinus sp.)

Dyers greenweed stem, light micrograph
Dyers greenweed stem. Polarised light micrograph of a transverse section through the stem of a dyers greenweed (Genista tinctoria) plant

Marsh samphire stem, light micrograph
Marsh samphire stem. Light micrograph of a transverse section through the stem of a marsh samphire, (Salicornia europaea) plant. This is a succulent, xerophytic, halophyte plant

Ginkgo leaf stalk, light micrograph
Ginkgo leaf stalk. Light micrograph of a transverse section through the leaf stalk (petiole) of a ginkgo tree (Ginkgo biloba)

Pine wood structure, light micrograph
Pine wood structure. Polarised light micrograph of a longitudinal radial section through the stem wood (xylem) of the deal pine tree (Pinus mitis)

Selection of diatoms, SEM
Selection of diatoms, coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM). Diatoms are single-celled photosynthetic algae, of which there are about 100, 000 species

Cedar tree stem, light micrograph
Cedar tree stem. Light micrograph of a transverse section through a stem of a cedar tree (Thujopsis dolobrata). The four ridges on the outer surface are microphyllous leaves

Elder tree stem, light micrograph
Elder tree stem. Light micrograph of a transverse section through the very young woody stem of an elder (Sambuca nigra) tree

Japanese sago palm leaf, light micrograph
Japanese sago palm leaf. Light micrograph of a transverse section through the leaf (pinna) of a Japanese sago palm, cycad, (Cycas revoluta)

Eucalyptus stem, light micrograph
Eucalyptus stem. Light micrograph of a transverse section through a one-year-old stem of a Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus) plant

Mahogany wood structure, light micrograph
Mahogany wood structure. Polarised light micrograph of a longitudinal tangential section through a woody stem (xylem) of a mahogany (Swietenia sp.) tree

Yew tree leaf, light micrograph
Yew tree leaf. Light micrograph of a transverse section through the leaf (pinna) of a yew tree, (Taxus baccata). The structure has xerophytic (drought plants) characteristics

Birch stem, light micrograph
Birch stem. Light micrograph of a transverse section through the woody stem of a birch (Betula alba) tree, showing a portion of the xylem including some of the pith (bottom left)

Young yew tree stem, light micrograph
Young yew tree stem. Light micrograph of a transverse section through a one-year-old stem of a yew tree (Taxus baccata). The epidermis (outer layer)

Coscinodiscus diatom, SEM
Coscinodiscus diatom. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of a Coscinodiscus diatom (red). This is a marine diatom

Bamboo stem, SEM
Bamboo stem. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of a section through a bamboo stem (Phyllostachys sp.). Vascular bundles can be seen (bright yellow) containing xylem (larger openings)

Water lily leaf stalk, light micrograph
Water lily leaf stalk. Light micrograph of a transverse section through the leaf stalk (petiole) of a water lily (Nymphaea sp.). All aquatic plants (hydrophytes) have a similar structure

Pondweed stem, light micrograph
Pondweed stem. Light micrograph of a transverse section through the stem of a pondweed (Potamogeton sp.) plant. All aquatic plants (hydrophytes) have a similar stem structure

Water milfoil stem, light micrograph
Water milfoil stem. Light micrograph of a transverse section through the stem of the aquatic whorled water milfoil (Myriophyllum verticillatum) plant

Water milfoil shoot-tip, light micrograph
Water milfoil shoot tip. Light micrograph of a transverse section through the shoot-tip of the aquatic whorled water milfoil (Myriophyllum verticillatum) plant

Waterweed stem, light micrograph
Waterweed stem. Polarised light micrograph of a transverse section through a stem of the aquatic western waterweed (Elodea nuttallii) plant

Mistletoe stem, light micrograph
Mistletoe stem. Polarised light micrograph of a transverse section through the stem of a mistletoe (Viscum album) plant. The epidermis (outer layer)

Mares tail stem, light micrograph
Mares tail stem. Polarised light micrograph of a transverse section through a stem of the aquatic mares tail (Hippuris vulgaris) plant. All aquatic plants (hydrophytes) have a similar stem structure

Silicoflagellate, SEM
Silicoflagellate. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of the skeleton of a Dictyocha speculum silicoflagellate. Silicoflagellates are single-celled marine algae

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"Supportive: Exploring the Intricate World of Nature's Structures" Delving into the microscopic realm, a diatom reveals its intricate beauty under the scanning electron microscope (SEM). Its delicate structure serves as a reminder of nature's supportive designs. The water lily leaf, captured in a mesmerizing light micrograph, showcases the resilience and strength found in nature. Its ability to support itself amidst turbulent waters is truly remarkable. Venice's iconic buildings stand tall on their foundations, an artwork known as C016 / 7703. These sturdy structures symbolize the importance of strong support systems in our lives. Astrocyte nerve cells, with their elaborate branching patterns and interconnectedness, demonstrate how vital it is to have supportive networks within our own minds and bodies. Xylem tissue, magnified through SEM imaging, exemplifies nature's ingenious way of transporting water and nutrients throughout plants' vascular systems – an essential support mechanism for growth and survival. Wood fibers come alive under the light microscope, displaying their interlocking arrangement that provides stability and durability to trees – a testament to nature's unwavering support for life on Earth. Returning to astrocyte nerve cells once more highlights their significance in supporting brain function by maintaining chemical balance and providing structural support for neurons. Another stunning diatom captures our attention under SEM imaging; its intricate shell-like structure reminds us that even tiny organisms can possess incredible strength when supported by natural design. Revisiting astrocyte nerve cells yet again emphasizes their crucial role in supporting neuronal health through various functions like regulating blood flow or removing toxins from surrounding tissues. Concluding this exploration with another captivating diatom image reminds us of the vast diversity found within these microscopic organisms - each one uniquely adapted with supportive features allowing them to thrive underwater.