Immunofluorescent staining

Definition

Immunofluorescent staining is a technique that uses antibodies labeled with fluorescent dyes to detect specific antigens in biological samples. It is commonly used to visualize the presence and location of viruses within cells.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Immunofluorescent staining can be direct, where the primary antibody is labeled with a fluorescent dye, or indirect, where a secondary antibody that binds to the primary antibody is labeled.
2. This technique allows for the visualization of viral particles within host cells by binding to viral proteins.
3. Fluorescence microscopy is required to observe the results of immunofluorescent staining.
4. Immunofluorescent staining can help identify which cells are infected by a virus and track the spread of infection within tissue samples.
5. It is often used in diagnostic laboratories to identify specific viral infections in clinical samples.

Review Questions

• What are the two types of immunofluorescent staining techniques?
• How does immunofluorescent staining help in studying viruses?
• Why is fluorescence microscopy necessary for observing immunofluorescent staining?

Related terms

Antigen:

A molecule or molecular structure that can be bound by an antigen-specific antibody.

Antibody:

A blood protein produced in response to and counteracting a specific antigen.

Fluorescence Microscopy:

A type of microscopy used to study properties of organic or inorganic substances using fluorescence instead of reflection and absorption.