Which term best describes the usage of fluorophores in flow cytometry?

The term that best describes the usage of fluorophores in flow cytometry is the application of these molecules to stain cell populations. Fluorophores are fluorescent chemical compounds that can re-emit light upon light excitation. In flow cytometry, fluorophores are attached to antibodies or other probes that bind specifically to cell surface markers or intracellular components. This allows for the identification and quantification of different cell populations based on their unique fluorescence characteristics.

When cells pass through the flow cytometer, they are excited by lasers, and the emitted fluorescence from the bound fluorophores is detected and analyzed. This enables researchers to distinguish between different types of cells in a heterogeneous sample, as the presence of specific markers will give rise to unique fluorescence patterns. This process is fundamental for applications in immunology, oncology, and various fields of biological research, as it facilitates detailed analysis of cell populations based on specific characteristics.

In contrast, using fluorophores as a fixation agent or in a lysis buffer does not accurately represent their primary role in flow cytometry. While cell sorting is an application of flow cytometry, it is a broader term that encompasses the entire process, of which staining with fluorophores is a critical component. Therefore, the most accurate description of