Fluorescein

Fluorescein is used in medicine to diagnose corneal ulcers and certain other eye disorders. A solution of the chemical is dripped into the eye, and a type of fluorescent light is shined into it. Ulcerated areas will glow green under the light, which confirms the presence of ulcers and pinpoints their locations.

fluorescein isothiocyanate is a fluorescent chemical derived from fluorescein which is used to label proteins.

fluorescein-conjugated antibody refers to an antibody that has been joined with a fluorescein molecule as a way to mark it.

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From the BioTech Dictionary at http://biotech.icmb.utexas.edu/. For further information see the BioTech homenode.

Flu`o*res"ce*in (?), n. Chem.

A yellowish red, crystalline substance, C20H12O5, produced by heating together phthalic anhydride and resorcin; -- so called, from the very brilliant yellowish green fluorescence of its alkaline solutions. It has acid properties, and its salts of the alkalies are known to the trade under the name of uranin.

 

© Webster 1913.