Allophycocyanin

Allophycocyanin (pronunciation: al-oh-fy-co-cy-a-nin) is a protein that is part of the phycobiliprotein family. It is a blue-green pigment that is found in cyanobacteria and red algae.

Etymology

The term "Allophycocyanin" is derived from the Greek words allos meaning "other", phyco meaning "seaweed", and cyanin meaning "dark blue".

Function

Allophycocyanin is a fluorescent protein that absorbs and emits light, which is a process known as fluorescence. It is often used in laboratory research as a fluorochrome for flow cytometry and microscopy due to its high fluorescence intensity.

Related Terms

• Phycobiliprotein: A type of protein that is found in cyanobacteria and red algae.
• Cyanobacteria: A phylum of bacteria that obtain their energy through photosynthesis.
• Red Algae: A group of algae that are known for their red color.
• Fluorescence: The emission of light by a substance that has absorbed light or other electromagnetic radiation.
• Fluorochrome: A fluorescent dye used to stain biological samples.
• Flow Cytometry: A technique used to measure the physical and chemical characteristics of a population of cells or particles.
• Microscopy: The technical field of using microscopes to view objects and areas of objects that cannot be seen with the naked eye.

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