HISTOFLUORESCENCE Meaning and
Definition
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Histofluorescence refers to a technique commonly used in biological and medical research to visualize and study cellular and tissue structures. It involves the use of fluorescent dyes or antibodies that selectively bind to specific molecules within cells or tissues, thereby allowing the detection and examination of these molecules under a fluorescence microscope. This technique is valuable for investigating the spatial distribution, localization, and abundance of various biomolecules within tissues or individual cells.
The process of histofluorescence begins by applying a fluorescent probe to a tissue section or cell sample. The probe could be a fluorescently labeled antibody, small molecule dye, or genetic construct. The probe specifically binds to its target molecule, which may include proteins, nucleic acids, lipids, or other vital cellular components. After the probe has bound to its target, excess unbound probe is removed through washing steps.
The sample is then excited with a specific wavelength of light, typically produced by a laser or a mercury or xenon arc lamp. Upon excitation, the bound fluorescent probe emits light of a higher wavelength, resulting in a visible fluorescence signal. This emitted fluorescence is captured and detected using specialized filters, allowing the researcher to visualize the presence and distribution of the target molecule within the tissue or cell.
Histofluorescence has a wide range of applications, including the study of protein expression and localization, analysis of cellular processes, investigation of tissue pathology, and the identification and characterization of specific cell types. It has revolutionized the field of biomedical research and is constantly evolving with advancements in imaging technologies and the development of novel fluorescent probes.
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Fluorescence of the tissues under exposure to the x-rays following the injection of a solution of quinine or other fluorescent substance.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for HISTOFLUORESCENCE
- gistofluorescence
- bistofluorescence
- nistofluorescence
- jistofluorescence
- uistofluorescence
- yistofluorescence
- hustofluorescence
- hjstofluorescence
- hkstofluorescence
- hostofluorescence
- h9stofluorescence
- h8stofluorescence
- hiatofluorescence
- hiztofluorescence
- hixtofluorescence
- hidtofluorescence
- hietofluorescence
- hiwtofluorescence
- hisrofluorescence
- hisfofluorescence
Etymology of HISTOFLUORESCENCE
The word "histofluorescence" is derived from two main components: "histo" and "fluorescence".
1. "Histo" is a prefix that stems from the Greek word "histos", meaning "tissue". In scientific terminology, "histo" is used to denote anything related to tissue or histology.
2. "Fluorescence" comes from the Latin word "fluere", which means "to flow". In the scientific context, "fluorescence" refers to the emission of light by a substance after it absorbs radiation of a different wavelength.
Therefore, "histofluorescence" is a term combining "histo" (tissue) and "fluorescence" (emission of light). It specifically refers to a technique used in histology to visualize specific molecules or components within tissues by exploiting their ability to emit light when excited by specific wavelength radiation.
