What is FITC and TRITC?
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FITC (Fluorescein Isothiocyanate)
FITC is a derivative of fluorescein used in wide-ranging applications as a fluorescent tracer in biology and chemistry. It is particularly popular in flow cytometry and immunofluorescence techniques due to its high quantum yield and its excitation and emission wavelengths (495 nm/519 nm) which are well-suited for use with common fluorescence detection equipment. FITC is covalently attached to antibodies or other molecules, allowing these molecules to be fluorescently labeled for detection.
TRITC (Tetramethylrhodamine Isothiocyanate)
TRITC is another fluorescent marker used in similar applications as FITC. It is characterized by its red fluorescence, making it a useful tool for dual-labeling experiments alongside FITC, as it can be excited and detected at different wavelengths (550 nm/570 nm). This property allows for the simultaneous detection of two different targets in a single sample. TRITC is also covalently bonded to molecules of interest for visualization under fluorescence microscopy or in flow cytometry.
Applications
- Immunofluorescence
- Flow Cytometry
- Fluorescence Microscopy
- Cell and Tissue Labeling
Advantages
| Property | FITC | TRITC |
|---|---|---|
| Excitation/Emission Wavelengths | 495 nm/519 nm | 550 nm/570 nm |
| Fluorescence Color | Green | Red |
| Applications | Widely used in various fluorescence-based assays | Useful for dual-labeling techniques |
Both FITC and TRITC have revolutionized the field of fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry, providing researchers with powerful tools for the visualization and analysis of cellular components and processes.