Bis-TOM

Bis-TOM

Bis-TOM is a fluorescent dye used in the field of biochemistry and molecular biology. It is a member of the rhodamine family of dyes, which are known for their bright fluorescence and high photostability. Bis-TOM is particularly useful in the labeling of proteins and nucleic acids, and is often used in fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry.

Structure and Properties

Bis-TOM is a xanthene dye, which means it has a three-ring structure with two benzene rings flanking a central xanthene ring. The dye is characterized by its bright red fluorescence, which is a result of the conjugated pi electron system in its structure. This system allows the dye to absorb and emit light in the visible spectrum, making it useful for fluorescence microscopy.

The dye is also characterized by its high photostability, which means it does not easily degrade or lose its fluorescence when exposed to light. This makes it particularly useful in long-term imaging experiments.

Applications

Bis-TOM is most commonly used in the labeling of proteins and nucleic acids. It can be covalently attached to these molecules, allowing them to be visualized under a fluorescence microscope. This is particularly useful in the study of cell biology, as it allows researchers to track the movement and interactions of these molecules within cells.

In addition to its use in microscopy, Bis-TOM is also used in flow cytometry, a technique used to analyze the physical and chemical characteristics of particles in a fluid as it passes through at least one laser. The dye's bright fluorescence and high photostability make it an ideal choice for this application.

See Also

• Fluorescent dye
• Rhodamine
• Fluorescence microscopy
• Flow cytometry