Single cell analysis technique for comparison of specific mRNA abundance in plant cells

A single cell sampling technique for determining changes in gene expression in a range of cell types is described. Expression of actin and changes in expression of a light inducible gene (sucrose: fructan fructosyltransferase) was demonstrated in mesophyll and parenchymatous bundle sheath cells. This method provides a reliable technique for the analysis of specific gene transcript abundance in individual plant cells.