Staining for lipids in situ

[Alyson Tobin]

Does anyone know of a good, simple, stain for lipids in plant tissue? Our
students are looking at seed storage reserves and comparing oily and
starchy seeds. In the past I have got them to cut seeds in half and add
Sudan III to stain for lipids. It is very difficult for them to see the
staining as Sudan is red and a positive test is the formation of a dark red
stain on the tissue- hard to see against a red background of dye. Any
suggestions?

Alyson Tobin


Dr A.K. Tobin
Plant Science Laboratory
Sir Harold Mitchell Building
University of St Andrews
St Andrews
KY16 9TH
UK