Autofluorescence
Autofluorescence (pronounced: auto-fluor-ess-ence) is a natural emission of light by biological structures such as mitochondria and lysosomes when they have absorbed light, and is used to detect cells and structures in a tissue.
Etymology
The term "Autofluorescence" is derived from the Greek word "auto" meaning self, and the Latin word "fluorescere" meaning to shine. The term thus refers to the ability of a substance to emit light on its own.
Definition
Autofluorescence is the natural emission of light by biological structures when they have absorbed light. This phenomenon is often used in microscopy to detect cells and structures in a tissue, and can be used to identify certain diseases or conditions.
Related Terms
- Fluorescence: The emission of light by a substance that has absorbed light or other electromagnetic radiation.
- Microscopy: The technical field of using microscopes to view objects and areas of objects that cannot be seen with the naked eye.
- Mitochondria: An organelle found in large numbers in most cells, in which the biochemical processes of respiration and energy production occur.
- Lysosomes: An organelle in the cytoplasm of eukaryotic cells containing degradative enzymes enclosed in a membrane.
Applications
Autofluorescence can be used in various fields such as biology, medicine, and biochemistry. In medicine, it is used to detect and diagnose certain diseases or conditions. For example, autofluorescence can be used to detect cancer cells, as these cells often have different autofluorescence characteristics compared to healthy cells.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Autofluorescence
- Wikipedia's article - Autofluorescence
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