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Updated: Nov 4, 2025
Method for Labeling Transcripts in Individual Escherichia coli Cells for Single-molecule Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization Experiments
Published on: December 21, 2017
Choosing Fluorescent Probes and Labeling Systems
Kimberly Jacoby-Morris1, George H Patterson2
1Section on Biophotonics, National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
Abstract:
Fluorescence microscopy is advantageous for investigating biological processes and mechanisms in living cells. One of the most important considerations when designing an experiment is the selection of an appropriate fluorescent probe. Equally important is deciding how the probe will be attached to the protein of interest. The advantages and disadvantages of different fluorescent probe types and their respective labeling methods are discussed to provide an overview on selecting appropriate fluorophores and labeling systems for fluorescence-based assays. Protocols are outlined when appropriate.
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