Flourescence probes are often prepared by organic chemists P

Flourescence probes are often prepared by organic chemists. Probes are flourescent molecules that can be attached to biomolecules and used as markers to observe substrate/protein binding, presence of particular DNA strands, etc. What are desirable properties of flourescent molecules that might be used as a probe? Assume the goal is to have absorption and emission wavelengths where most biomolecules do not absorb and to have the most sensitive detection limit possible. Provide an example if possible.

Solution

Fluorescent molecules absorbs light at one wavelength and emit it at another. The difference in colors is called stoke\'s shift. Fluorescent molecules also known as flurophores, responds distinctly to light. Each Flourophores has distinct characteristics, which can be used to determine which flourophore to be used for which experimental design.

Some proteins or molecules in the cells naturally fluorescence, they are called intrinsic fluorescence or autofluorescence(Example: Green fluorescent protein). proteins, nucleic acid can b labelled with an extrinsic fluorophore such as a dye , etc. The most desirable properties of fluorescent molecules that it might be used as a probe are:

1. It absorbs light of one wavelength and emits other wavelength light, it allows the proper view of the specimen to be studies.

2. The range of flourecsence imaging extends a bit beyond where our eyes can see. We can visualise them through CCD cameras.