# Fluorescence staining of the nucleus in living plant cells using dimidium bromide

## TL;DR

This paper introduces dimidium bromide as a fluorescent dye for live-cell imaging of plant cell nuclei, enabling time-lapse observations.

## Contribution

The novel use of dimidium bromide for live-cell nuclear staining in plants is presented.

## Key findings

- Dimidium bromide stains the nucleus, including the nucleolus and nucleoplasm, in living plant cells.
- The dye is compatible with green fluorescent protein and works across various plant species.
- It allows for time-lapse imaging of the nucleus in live cells.

## Abstract

Nuclear staining using fluorescent dyes is crucial for cytological studies in plants. However, few fluorescent dyes are suitable for live-cell imaging of the nucleus. Here, we demonstrate that dimidium bromide (DimBr), a commercially available fluorescent dye, can be used to stain the nucleus (nucleolus and nucleoplasm) in living plant cells. DimBr emits peak fluorescence at 600 nm at an excitation wavelength of 525 nm, making it well suited for use with green fluorescent protein. DimBr staining can be used in various plant species and allows time-lapse observation of the nucleus. Therefore, DimBr can be used to visualize the nucleus in living plant cells, making it a valuable tool for plant cell biology.