The spelling of "cell sorter" may seem straightforward, but the IPA phonetic transcription reveals a few subtle nuances. The word begins with the voiced consonant /s/ followed by the open vowel /ɛ/. The double Ls in "cell" indicate that the vowel is short, as opposed to the longer /i/ sound in "sell." The second syllable, "sorter," contains the voiceless fricative /s/ followed by the open mid back rounded vowel /ɔ/. The final /ər/ indicates the unstressed syllable and the rhotic ending common in many English words.
A cell sorter is a highly specialized scientific instrument used to segregate and separate individual cells from a heterogeneous population based on specific characteristics or properties. It is an innovative technology designed to analyze, identify, and isolate cells with precision and accuracy. Cell sorters combine flow cytometry and high-speed fluidic sorting mechanisms, allowing researchers to study and manipulate individual cells for various applications.
The cell sorting process starts with the suspension of cells in a buffer solution, which is then injected into the instrument. Through the use of lasers and detectors, the cell sorter can measure multiple parameters such as size, shape, and fluorescence emitted by different cell components. This information is used to identify the desired cells from the population of interest.
Once identified, the cell sorter uses sophisticated fluidic channels, electrostatic charges, and mechanical systems to segregate the selected cells into separate containers or collection tubes. The sorting process can be based on positive or negative selection, where cells with certain characteristics are either enriched or depleted, respectively.
Cell sorters are invaluable tools in diverse fields such as immunology, cancer research, stem cell biology, and microbiology. They enable researchers to explore cellular heterogeneity, detect rare cell populations, and isolate specific cells for further analysis, such as gene expression profiling, functional studies, or culturing. The high speed, precision, and purity of cell sorting achieved by these instruments have revolutionized cellular research and contributed to significant advancements in our understanding of various biological processes and diseases.
The etymology of the word "cell sorter" can be traced back to the combination of two key elements:
1. "Cell": The term "cell" originated from the Latin word "cellula", which means "small room" or "small chamber". It was first used in the scientific sense to describe the basic unit of structure and function in living organisms by the English scientist Robert Hooke in the 17th century.
2. "Sorter": The term "sorter" derives from the Old French word "sortir", meaning "to go out" or "to depart". Over time, it evolved in English to refer to someone or something that separates or arranges things into categories or groups.
When these two elements are combined, "cell sorter" refers to a device or technology used to separate or arrange cells into different groups based on specific characteristics, such as size, shape, or molecular markers.