Fluorescein Isothiocyanate (FITC)
Definition:Fluorescein Isothiocyanate (often abbreviated as FITC) is a chemical compound that is bright green in color and can glow (or fluoresce) under certain types of light. It is commonly used in scientific research, especially in biology and medicine, to label antibodies. This helps scientists see and study specific proteins or cells in samples under a microscope using a technique called immunofluorescence.
Usage Instructions: - FITC is usually attached (or "conjugated") to antibodies, which are proteins that can bind to specific targets in a sample. - After the antibodies have attached to their targets, researchers shine a special light on the sample. The FITC will glow, making it easier to see where the antibodies are located.
Example: - "The researchers used fluorescein isothiocyanate to label the antibodies so they could observe the cancer cells more clearly under the microscope."
Advanced Usage: - In advanced scientific studies, FITC can be used in combination with other fluorescent markers to study multiple targets at once. This is known as multiplexing. - FITC can also be used in flow cytometry, a technique that analyzes the physical and chemical characteristics of particles in a fluid.
Word Variants: - There aren’t many common variants of “fluorescein isothiocyanate” itself, but you may come across terms like “fluorochrome,” which refers to a fluorescent dye used in various lab techniques.
Different Meanings: - FITC does not have different meanings in other contexts; it is primarily used in scientific and medical fields.
Synonyms: - Fluorochrome (a general term for fluorescent dyes) - Fluorescent dye (a broader category that includes many substances, including FITC)
Idioms and Phrasal Verbs: - There are no specific idioms or phrasal verbs associated with "fluorescein isothiocyanate" since it is a specialized term used primarily in scientific contexts.
In summary, fluorescein isothiocyanate is a useful tool in scientific research that helps scientists visualize and study specific biological targets.