fluoròfors

Fluorophores are molecules that can absorb light at a specific wavelength and then re-emit light at a longer wavelength. This process is known as fluorescence. Fluorophores are widely used in various scientific disciplines, including biology, chemistry, and medicine, for imaging, sensing, and diagnostic applications. They function by absorbing energy from photons, which excites electrons within the molecule to a higher energy state. As these electrons return to their ground state, they release the excess energy as photons of light. The color of the emitted light depends on the chemical structure of the fluorophore. Common examples include fluorescein, rhodamine, and cyanine dyes. In biological applications, fluorophores are often attached to specific molecules, such as antibodies or DNA, allowing researchers to visualize cellular structures, track molecular processes, or detect the presence of certain analytes. The intensity and duration of fluorescence can also provide quantitative information. Environmental factors like pH and solvent polarity can influence the fluorescence properties of a fluorophore.