Fluorescence Imaging Creates A Window On The Cell

Living cells are intricate and versatile micromodules for processing information. They can orchestrate their responses to a wide variety of stimuli via complex fluctuations—in both space and time—of their internal biochemistry. To understand how they do this, one needs to see where and when these fluctuations occur and how they carry information. The experimental challenge of actually seeing these fluctuations has become feasible, thanks to the design and synthesis of molecular probes that can be placed within the cells to detect and reversibly bind messenger molecules and act as imaging agents. Fluorescent probes are the most popular, because fluorescence is usually highly specific, extremely sensitive, and amenable to microscopic detection. The design and synthesis of intracellular imaging agents is an area where organic chemistry is essential to the progress of biology. The most common target for intracellular imaging is Ca 2+, because this divalent cation is involved in a host of biological responses—in both healthy and ...