Lemon peel zest cells, SEM

Rights Managed

SS2788315

TA4314

Lemon zest cells (Citrus limon), colored scanning electron micrograph (SEM). The outer lemon rind (lemon peel) contains "zest" cells that are specialized epidermal cells known as trichomes. Shown here is a cross section through a lemon peel revealing the zest cells as the round, concave structures (highlighted in a different color). These trichomes are glandular trichomes that secret an oil that gives the lemon peel its tangy flavor. The oil obtained from the peel is used extensively in the perfume industry. Lemons are a rich source of Vitamin C and the fruit juice is used for culinary and non-culinary purposes throughout the world. Lemons are used as commercial source of citric acid and ascorbic acid. Magnification: x11 when shortest axis printed at 25 millimeters.

Dennis Kunkel Microscopy / Science Source