[Spectral measurements of functional heterogeneity of cells and their organelles]

The microspectral analysis technique was used to identify molecular components of a number of plant and animal cells. This technique allows of performing optical measurements during freezing down to the temperature of liquid nitrogen. Revealed biochemical heterogeneity suggests functional specialization of individual cells within a population. Analysis of the fluorescence quenching revealed temperature intervals in which processes of recrystallization of intracellular water associated with specific pigment-protein complexes take place. A proposed experimental approach may find its application in correlation microscopy and also in cryobiology in order to search after optimal modes for the freezing and thawing of cryopreserved cells.