Bioimaging methodology

This methodology  relates to methods that visualise cellular and molecular processes in real time and, as far as possible, without interference by the observation itself. Thus, cellular processes, quantification of ion or metabolite levels, and intercellular exchange rates can be observed and measured live. Appropriate tracers, e.g., specific fluorochromes, and confocal laser scanning microscopy are needed for most applications.

 

Recent developments in bioimaging include nanosensors, two-photon fluorescence excitation microscopy, fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP), and fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET).

 

The Core Facility of the University of Copenhagen 'Center for Advanced Bioimaging (CAB) Danmark', gathers all modern instruments needed for Bioimaging. 

 

Living parenchyma cells visualised with fluorescein diacetate and confocal laser scanning microscopy.The b/w figure shows the fusion of a small with a large central vacuole (Schulz unpubl.).  Fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) leads to original fluorescence intensity within 5 minutes. The colour figure depicts FRAP across plasmodesmata in cortical tissue of pea roots.