What is one factor affecting the amount of fluorescence emitted by a cell?

The amount of fluorescence emitted by a cell is significantly influenced by the number of fluorophores attached to it. Fluorophores are fluorescent molecules that absorb light and subsequently emit it at a longer wavelength. When a cell is marked with multiple fluorophores, each additional fluorophore contributes to the overall intensity of the emitted fluorescence. Therefore, a higher density of attached fluorophores leads to a stronger fluorescent signal, enhancing the detection and quantification of the target antigens or markers on the cell.

Factors like the thickness of the cell membrane, the age of the cytometer, and the light source may have some impact on the overall experiment and the detection process but do not directly alter the intrinsic fluorescence from the cell itself. For instance, while the light source is crucial for exciting the fluorophores, it cannot change the quantity of fluorophores present on the cell. Hence, the number of fluorophores attached is the primary determinant of the fluorescence emitted by the cell.