Orange Peel (Cross Section)
Citrus sinensis
This cross section of an orange peel reveals the structural zonation characteristic of citrus rinds. The outer flavedo (exocarp) consists of compact epidermal cells covered by a thick cuticle, interspersed with prominent, spherical oil glands (schizolysigenous cavities) bounded by specialized epithelial secretory cells that synthesize essential oils. Deep to the flavedo lies the expansive albedo (mesocarp), composed of a porous, spongy meshwork of branched parenchyma cells (aerenchyma) interspersed with large intercellular air spaces. Small vascular bundles containing lignified xylem vessels and phloem elements are distributed throughout the mesocarp matrix. Differential staining emphasizes cell wall composition, highlighting cellulosic parenchyma walls alongside specialized epidermal and secretory boundaries.
- Category
- Botany & Plants
- Magnification
- 20x
- Stain
- Safranin / Fast Green
- Tags
- orange peel, Citrus sinensis, citrus rind, flavedo, albedo, exocarp, mesocarp, oil gland, schizolysigenous cavity, essential oil cavity, parenchyma, aerenchyma, vascular bundle, xylem, phloem, plant cuticle, epidermis, secretory cells, plant anatomy, plant histology, cross section, Fast Green, Safranin, brightfield, plant cell wall, Rutaceae
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