Flowtsütomeetria

Flowtsütomeetria, often shortened to flow cytometry, is a specialized laboratory technique used to detect and measure physical and chemical characteristics of a sample, typically a fluid containing cells. This method allows for the rapid analysis of a large number of individual cells as they pass through a laser beam. As each cell encounters the laser, it scatters light in different directions. The intensity and pattern of this scattered light provide information about the cell's size and internal complexity. Additionally, fluorescent molecules, often attached to antibodies that specifically bind to cellular components, can be excited by the laser, emitting light at different wavelengths. Detectors then capture these emitted fluorescent signals. By analyzing the combination of light scattering and fluorescence, researchers can identify different cell populations, quantify their numbers, and assess various cellular properties such as the presence of specific proteins or DNA content. Flow cytometry is a powerful tool with widespread applications in biology and medicine, including immunology, cancer research, diagnostics, and drug development.