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Updated: May 15, 2026

Visualizing Single Molecular Complexes In Vivo Using Advanced Fluorescence Microscopy

Visualizing Single Molecular Complexes In Vivo Using Advanced Fluorescence Microscopy

Published on: September 8, 2009

Single-molecule fluorescence imaging in living cells.

Tie Xia¹, Nan Li, Xiaohong Fang

¹Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China.

Annual Review of Physical Chemistry

|January 22, 2013

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Single-molecule fluorescence imaging in living cells reveals biomolecule behavior in native environments. This review covers practical considerations and applications for live-cell single-molecule biophysics.

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Last Updated: May 15, 2026

Visualizing Single Molecular Complexes In Vivo Using Advanced Fluorescence Microscopy

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Area of Science:

Biophysics
Cell Biology
Molecular Imaging

Background:

Single-molecule fluorescence detection has advanced from in vitro studies to living cells.
This transition provides insights into biomolecule behavior within native cellular environments.
Understanding these behaviors is crucial for elucidating cellular processes.

Purpose of the Study:

To review recent advancements in single-molecule biophysical approaches for live-cell studies using fluorescence imaging.
To discuss practical aspects of designing and implementing these techniques in cellular systems.
To highlight how imaging individual biomolecules reveals their physicochemical properties and cellular roles.

Main Methods:

Review of current literature on single-molecule fluorescence imaging in live cells.
Discussion of essential components: fluorescent probes, labeling strategies, instrumentation, and imaging techniques.
Presentation of representative examples showcasing the application of these methods.

Main Results:

Detailed examination of practical considerations for successful in-cell single-molecule fluorescence imaging.
Illustrative examples demonstrating the acquisition of physicochemical parameters from individual biomolecules.
Demonstration of how these parameters inform our understanding of biomolecule function in cells.

Conclusions:

Single-molecule fluorescence imaging is a powerful tool for studying biomolecules in their native cellular context.
Advances in probes, labeling, instrumentation, and techniques enable detailed biophysical characterization.
This approach significantly enhances our understanding of molecular mechanisms underlying cellular processes.