We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What Is DNA Flow Cytometry?

Andrew Kirmayer
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 5,750
References
Share

Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) can be measured in cell samples by using DNA flow cytometry. The procedure generally involves the use of a biological sample, the cells of which are marked with fluorescent substances and passed through a laser beam. Computers can then determine the types of cells, including helper, suppressor, or killer immune cells that are present, for example. The process is usually quick, so hundreds of samples can be analyzed each day and many types of cells are often analyzed as well. It typically helps to characterize DNA content, which is called ploidy, in a sample, and can be used in scientific studies of plants or for detecting blood cancers and predicting patient prognosis.

The results of DNA flow cytometry are often displayed on a chart called a bar-graph historgram. Peaks in the lines typically represent how concentrated certain cells are. Comparisons of one cell type to another can be made by viewing the height of each peak on the graph. The state of DNA in animals and plants can often be determined as well. Cell cycles are often analyzed for either; samples ready to multiply generally have DNA that is in a different state than cells in between dividing cycles.

If an unusual number of cells are in a dividing stage, then DNA flow cytometry can help diagnose certain types of cancer. Analysts are often able to determine whether a tumor is growing, how aggressive it is, and what the prognosis of a condition may be. Flow cytometry can be useful for testing bone marrow for lymphoma or leukemia, immune cells for the progression of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), or cell samples for detecting gastric, ovarian, or prostate cancers.

Composition of genetic material can be determined by DNA flow cytometry as well. Base pairs of nucleotides in DNA can be detected and their total composition estimated. Samples are sometimes measured after a dose of radiation to measure the effects on cellular genetics. The chromosomes of different plant types and their variants can also be analyzed. In addition to finding diseases, DNA flow cytometry is often used to track cell groups.

The use of DNA flow cytometry alone for making a medical prognosis is sometimes disputed. Similar results are occasionally seen in either malignant or benign tumors that are tested. Many laboratory researchers continue to improve the process in the early 21st century, and use it to study the state of DNA in relation to cell activity.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Link to Sources
Andrew Kirmayer
By Andrew Kirmayer
Andrew Kirmayer, a freelance writer with his own online writing business, creates engaging content across various industries and disciplines. With a degree in Creative Writing, he is skilled at writing compelling articles, blogs, press releases, website content, web copy, and more, all with the goal of making the web a more informative and engaging place for all audiences.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Andrew Kirmayer
Andrew Kirmayer
Andrew Kirmayer, a freelance writer with his own online writing business, creates engaging content across various...
Learn more
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-dna-flow-cytometry.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.