Fluorophore
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
A fluorophore, in analogy to a chromophore, is a component of a molecule which causes a molecule to be fluorescent. It is a functional group in a molecule which will absorb energy of a specific wavelength and re-emit energy at a different (but equally specific) wavelength. The amount and wavelength of the emitted energy depend on both the fluorophore and the chemical environment of the fluorophore. This technology has particular importance in the field of biochemistry and protein studies, eg. in immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry.
Fluorescein isothiocyanate is an example of a fluorophore which can be chemically attached to a different, non-fluorescent molecule to create a new and fluorescent molecule. Another such fluorophore is Texas Red. Derivates of coumarin are common too.
[edit] Size
The size of the fluorophore might sterically hinder the tagged molecule:
- quantum dot: 2-10 nm (diameter), 100-100,000 atoms
- Green fluorescent protein (GFP) 26 kDa
- luciferin: about 20 atoms
[edit] See also
[edit] External links
- Immunofluorescence Staining Protocol
- Spectra Viewer for different fluorophores
- Table of fluorochromes
