Going back to the dawn of light microscopy, imaging techniques have provided the opportunity for developing models of cellular function. Over the past 40 years, the availability of technology for high-resolution imaging and for evaluation of those images in live cells has extended our reach and, accordingly, our ability to understand cell function. Given the large number of choices in equipment and approaches, sorting out the best approach can be challenging, even to seasoned investigators. The present volumes provide descriptions of methods used to image living cells, with particular reference to the technical approaches and reagents needed and approaches to selecting the best techniques. The authors explain how these methods are able to provide important biological insights in normal and pathological cells. Authors were selected based on research contributions in the area about which they have written and based on their ability to describe their methodological contribution in a clear and reproducible way. They have been encouraged to make use of graphics, comparisons to other methods, and to provide tricks and approaches not revealed in prior publications that make it possible to adapt methods to other systems

This volume of Methods in Enzymology is the second of three parts looking at current methodology for the imaging and spectroscopic analysis of live cells. The chapters provide hints and tricks not available in primary research publications. It is an invaluable resource for academics, researchers and students alike. Expert authors who are leaders in the field Extensively referenced and useful figures and tables Provides hints and tricks to facilitate reproduction of methods

This volume of Methods in Enzymology is the third of 3 parts looking at current methodology for the imaging and spectroscopic analysis of live cells. The chapters provide hints and tricks not available in primary research publications. It is an invaluable resource for academics, researchers and students alike. Publisher's note.

This volume of Methods in Enzymology is the second of three parts looking at current methodology for the imaging and spectroscopic analysis of live cells. The chapters provide hints and tricks not available in primary research publications. It is an invaluable resource for academics, researchers and students alike. - Expert authors who are leaders in the field - Extensively referenced and useful figures and tables - Provides hints and tricks to facilitate reproduction of methods

This volume of Methods in Enzymology is the first of three parts looking at current methodology for the imaging and spectroscopic analysis of live cells. The chapters provide hints and tricks not available in primary research publications. It is an invaluable resource for academics, researchers and students alike. Expert authors who are leaders in the field Extensively referenced and useful figures and tables Provides hints and tricks to facilitate reproduction of methods

Quantitative elucidation of structural, energetic and dynamic aspects of macromolecular interactions is indispensable for understanding the functional activities of biomolecules and their interactions. The optical spectroscopic methods are not confined to small molecules or macromolecules but permit the studies of even the largest biological systems in their full splendor, including the living cell. In, Spectroscopic Methods of Analysis: Methods and Protocols, expert researchers in the field detail many of the methods which are now commonly used to study properties of individual macromolecules, their complexes, organelles, and cells, using optical spectroscopic techniques. These include methods and approaches for experimental and theoretical analyses of fluorescence properties of the examined systems, single molecule approaches, electronic absorption, and electro-optical analyses of macromolecular interactions, structures, and dynamics. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology(tm) series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step laboratory protocols, and key tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and practical, Spectroscopic Methods of Analysis : Methods and Protocols seeks to aid scientists in the further study of optical spectroscopic methods.

This book illustrates the significance of various optical spectroscopy and microscopy techniques, including absorption spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, infrared spectroscopy, and Raman spectroscopy for deciphering the nature of biological molecules. The content of this book chiefly focuses on (1) the principle, theory, and instrumentation used in different optical spectroscopy techniques, and (2) the application of these techniques in exploring the nature of different biomolecules (e.g., proteins, nucleic acids, enzymes, and carbohydrates). It emphasizes the structural, conformational and dynamic, and kinetic including the changes in biomolecules under a range of conditions. In closing, the book summarizes recent advances in the field of optical spectroscopic and microscopic techniques.

Biomedical optical imaging is a rapidly emerging research area with widespread fundamental research and clinical applications. This book gives an overview of biomedical optical imaging with contributions from leading international research groups who have pioneered many of these techniques and applications. A unique research field spanning the microscopic to the macroscopic, biomedical optical imaging allows both structural and functional imaging. Techniques such as confocal and multiphoton microscopy provide cellular level resolution imaging in biological systems. The integration of this technology with exogenous chromophores can selectively enhance contrast for molecular targets as well as supply functional information on processes such as nerve transduction. Novel techniques integrate microscopy with state-of-the-art optics technology, and these include spectral imaging, two photon fluorescence correlation, nonlinear nanoscopy; optical coherence tomography techniques allow functional, dynamic, nanoscale, and cross-sectional visualization. Moving to the macroscopic scale, spectroscopic assessment and imaging methods such as fluorescence and light scattering can provide diagnostics of tissue pathology including neoplastic changes. Techniques using light diffusion and photon migration are a means to explore processes which occur deep inside biological tissues and organs. The integration of these techniques with exogenous probes enables molecular specific sensitivity.