immunofluorescence
A scientist uses immunofluorescence to examine a tissue sample under a microscope.
Noun: 1. (Immunology) A laboratory technique: A method that uses antibodies chemically linked (conjugated) to a fluorescent dye to detect and visualize specific antigens within a sample, such as a tissue section or cell culture, using a fluorescence microscope.
This is a technical, uncountable noun used primarily in scientific contexts (immunology, pathology, cell biology). It refers to the technique as a whole process or concept. * The diagnosis was confirmed by immunofluorescence, which revealed the characteristic pattern of antibody deposition. * Immunofluorescence is a powerful tool for localizing proteins within cells.
- Researchers used immunofluorescence to observe the distribution of the viral protein in infected cells.
- Direct immunofluorescence on the skin biopsy was positive, indicating an autoimmune disease.
- The study compared the sensitivity of immunofluorescence to other immunohistochemical methods.
- Indirect immunofluorescence: A two-step technique where an unlabeled primary antibody binds to the antigen, and a fluorescently-labeled secondary antibody, which recognizes the primary antibody, is then applied. This method often provides signal amplification.
- Indirect immunofluorescence is commonly used for detecting autoantibodies in patient serum.
- Direct immunofluorescence: A one-step technique where the antibody that recognizes the antigen is itself directly conjugated to the fluorescent dye.
- Direct immunofluorescence on frozen tissue is the gold standard for diagnosing certain bullous diseases.
- Immunofluorescent (adjective): Describing something related to or using the immunofluorescence technique.
- The immunofluorescent staining showed a clear signal at the cell membrane.
- Fluorescence (noun): The property of absorbing light of a specific wavelength and emitting light of a longer wavelength, which is the physical principle exploited by this technique.
- Immunohistochemistry (noun): A broader category of techniques for detecting antigens in tissue samples, which often includes immunofluorescence as one method.
- Immunofluorescence microscopy: A more descriptive term emphasizing the microscopic visualization component.
- Fluorescent antibody technique: An older, descriptive synonym.
The word "immunofluorescence" has a single, specific meaning in scientific English. It does not have general or colloquial meanings. Its use is strictly confined to the described laboratory methodology.
A scientist uses immunofluorescence to examine a tissue sample under a microscope.
- (immunology) a technique that uses antibodies linked to a fluorescent dye in order to study antigens in a sample of tissue