Introduction to Cell and Molecular Biology Techniques: Immunofluorescence

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to immunofluorescence and the techniques involved in the preparation and analysis of cellular structures.

Immunostaining

A technique that utilizes antibodies to locate specific cellular molecules by their highly specific interaction with target antigens.

Cytochemistry

The study of staining individual cells using chemical dyes and stains.

Histochemistry

The study of staining thin sections of tissue using chemical reactions.

Fixation

The process of preserving cells or biological specimens through chemical reactions, which 'freezes' cellular structures in place.

Denaturation

The loss of the normal three-dimensional structure of proteins due to the breaking of noncovalent interactions.

Formalin

A solution of formaldehyde used as a fixative to preserve cellular structures by forming covalent crosslinks between protein molecules.

Permeabilization

The process of partially removing the plasma membrane of cells to allow antibodies to access internal antigens.

Blocking Buffer

A solution, often containing bovine serum albumin (BSA), used to soak up non-specific binding sites in immunostaining.

Antibody

A large protein produced by plasma cells that binds specifically to antigens to help the immune system identify foreign substances.

Epitope

A specific part of an antigen that is recognized and bound by an antibody.

Primary Antibody

The antibody used in immunostaining that binds specifically to the target antigen.

Secondary Antibody

An antibody that binds to the primary antibody and is often tagged with a fluorescent label for detection.

Indirect Immunofluorescence

A method of immunofluorescence where a labeled secondary antibody is used to detect an unlabeled primary antibody bound to the target antigen.

FITC

Fluorescein isothiocyanate, a fluorescent dye used to label antibodies for detection in immunofluorescence.

Monoclonal Antibody

An antibody produced from a single clone of B cells, allowing for the continuous production of a specific antibody.

Fluorescence Microscopy

Term:
A microscopy technique used to visualize fluorescently labeled structures.

Definition:
Detects fluorescence emitted by dyes like FITC bound to antibodies, allowing visualization of specific proteins in cells

Week

Anti-Tubulin Antibody

A primary antibody used to detect tubulin protein. Binds to the cilia of Tetrahymena thermophila, allowing visualization of microtubules when paired with a fluorescent secondary antibody.

TBS (Tris-Buffered Saline)

A buffering solution used for washing cells. Maintains pH and removes unbound antibodies during washing steps between incubations.