Continuous monitoring of transport by fluorescence on cells and vesicles

Fluorescence techniques are gaining wider applicability in the field of membrane transport due to their high temporal resolution, modest demand for biological material and the kinetic information which is made available by fluorescence tracings. The development of novel fluorescent substrates for particular transport systems and of novel fluorescent indicators for permeant ions, have opened the way for studying transport kinetics and regulation of transport in a variety of cellular and vesicular systems. The various methods of continuous monitoring of transport by fluorescence (CMTF) which are presently in use, are reviewed with emphasis on both analytical and applicative properties.