Basic confocal microscopy

Curr Protoc Microbiol. 2006 Jun:Chapter 2:Unit 2C.1. doi: 10.1002/9780471729259.mc02c01s01.

Abstract

This unit introduces the reader to the basic principles of confocal microscopy and the design and capabilities of current confocal microscopes. The advantages and disadvantages of confocal microscopy as compared to other techniques for fluorescence imaging are described. There are also practical guidelines for sample preparation and optimizing imaging parameters and examples of some of the applications of confocal microscopy.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Intramural

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Drosophila / embryology
  • Embryo, Nonmammalian / ultrastructure
  • Erythrocytes / parasitology
  • Erythrocytes / ultrastructure
  • Fluorescent Dyes / metabolism
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins / genetics
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Microscopy, Confocal / instrumentation*
  • Microscopy, Confocal / methods*
  • Plasmodium falciparum / ultrastructure
  • Yeasts / ultrastructure

Substances

  • Fluorescent Dyes
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins