[22] Flow Cytometry Flashcards
What is Flow Cytometry?
A technology that simultaneously measures and analyzes multiple physical characteristics of single particles, usually cells, as they flow in a fluid stream through a beam of light.
Define the initials FC
Flow Cytometry
What are the main applications of Flow Cytometry?
- Cell counting
- Cell sorting
- Biomarker detection
- Protein engineering
- Cell cycle analysis
- Apoptosis
What is cell counting in the context of Flow Cytometry?
A measure of the concentration of cells in a sample.
What is cell sorting in the context of Flow Cytometry?
The process of separating cells based on their properties.
What is biomarker detection in the context of Flow Cytometry?
The identification and quantification of specific cellular markers.
What is protein engineering in the context of Flow Cytometry?
The use of Flow Cytometry to investigate the expression and function of engineered proteins.
What is cell cycle analysis in the context of Flow Cytometry?
The use of Flow Cytometry to identify cells in different phases of the cell cycle.
What is apoptosis in the context of Flow Cytometry?
The use of Flow Cytometry to detect and measure programmed cell death.
How does Flow Cytometry work?
Cells are stained with specific fluorescent dyes, then passed through a laser light beam, where they emit light at different wavelengths. These signals are collected and analyzed.
What are the components of a Flow Cytometer?
- Fluidics system
- Optics system
- Detection and electronic system
What is the role of fluidics system in Flow Cytometry?
It controls the movement of cells in a stream of fluid.
What is the role of optics system in Flow Cytometry?
It is responsible for the generation of light and collection of emitted light.
What is the role of detection and electronic system in Flow Cytometry?
It translates the detected light signals into electronic signals which can be processed and analyzed.
What is a histogram in Flow Cytometry?
A graphical representation of the distribution of detected cells based on a single parameter.
What is a dot plot in Flow Cytometry?
A graphical representation of two parameters measured in a cell population.
What is the difference between forward scatter (FSC) and side scatter (SSC) in Flow Cytometry?
FSC is proportional to cell size or volume, SSC provides information about cell complexity or granularity.
What are the advantages of Flow Cytometry?
- Rapid analysis
- Ability to analyze multiple parameters simultaneously
- High sensitivity and specificity
What are the limitations of Flow Cytometry?
- Requires skilled personnel
- High initial cost
- Limited by the number of fluorochromes that can be distinguished simultaneously
How has Flow Cytometry revolutionized immunology?
It allows for precise identification and quantification of different immune cell types and their functions.
