The spelling of the term "cell sorting" uses the IPA phonetic transcription to describe its pronunciation. The first syllable "cell" is pronounced as /sɛl/, with the "e" sound as in "met" and the "l" sound being pronounced. The second syllable "sorting" is pronounced as /sɔrtɪŋ/, with the "or" sound as in "fort" and the "i" sound as in "bit," the "ng" sound is pronounced as in "sing." This process refers to a method of separating cells according to specific characteristics for further analysis or application.
Cell sorting is a laboratory technique employed in the field of cellular biology to separate and categorize cells based on specific characteristics. It involves the isolation of individual cells from a mixed population to obtain a pure sample of a particular cell type. This process usually involves the use of flow cytometry or magnetic activated cell sorting (MACS) technology.
Flow cytometry-based cell sorting is commonly used for large-scale separation of cells and is primarily based on the detection and measurement of various physical and chemical properties of cells. This technique uses fluorescently labeled antibodies or dyes to specifically target and bind to the cell surface molecules or intracellular markers of interest. The cells are then sorted based on their fluorescence properties, size, granularity, and other parameters. High-speed fluidic systems direct individual cells towards collection tubes or plates based on their defined characteristics, leading to the separation of distinct cell populations.
Magnetic activated cell sorting involves the use of magnetic particles coated with specific antibodies or ligands. When these particles come into contact with the target cells, they bind to specific antigens on the cell surface. By applying a magnetic field, cells bound to the magnetic particles can be attracted to a magnet, while unbound cells are washed away. This enables the isolation of the desired cell population.
Cell sorting plays a crucial role in various research applications such as studying cell heterogeneity, investigating stem cells, analyzing immune cell populations, and identifying rare cells. It provides researchers with the ability to isolate and analyze specific cell populations, facilitating deeper insights into cellular function and behavior.
The word "cell" is derived from the Latin word "cella" meaning "small room" or "storage place". In biology, "cell" refers to the basic structural and functional unit of all living organisms.
The term "sorting" is derived from the Old French word "sortir" meaning "to go out". It relates to the act of separating or categorizing items based on certain criteria or characteristics.
Therefore, "cell sorting" refers to the process of separating or categorizing cells based on their specific properties, such as their size, shape, molecular markers, or functional characteristics. This technique is widely used in biological and medical research to study and manipulate specific cell populations.