Introduction to Cell and Molecular Biology Techniques: Immunofluorescence

Flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts related to fluorescence microscopy and immunofluorescence techniques as presented in the lecture notes.

Fluorescence Microscopy

A technique to visualize cellular structures based on light emission by the specimen.

Fluorophore

A chemical compound that can re-emit light upon excitation, essential for fluorescence microscopy.

Excitation wavelength

The specific wavelength of light used to excite fluorophores for fluorescence.

Emission wavelength

The wavelength of light emitted by a fluorophore after excitation.

Histochemistry

A technique involving staining that allows for the study of the distribution and localization of antibodies to specific antigens in cells.

Epifluorescence

Fluorescence microscopy method where excitation light is directed onto the specimen from the viewing side.

Dichroic mirror

A mirror that reflects certain wavelengths and transmits others, used in fluorescence microscopy to segregate excitation and emitted light.

Co-localization

The occurrence where two fluorophores are closely positioned within a specimen, potentially measured by the observed color in a combined image.

Confocal Microscopy

A microscopy technique that uses a pinhole aperture and focused lasers to improve image clarity and reduce background fluorescence.

Photobleaching

The loss of ability of a fluorophore to fluoresce due to prolonged exposure to excitation light; a significant concern during imaging.

Z stack

A series of images taken at different depths of a specimen in confocal microscopy to create a 3D representation.

Immunofluorescence

A technique where antibodies are labeled with fluorophores to visualize specific antigens in cells or tissues.