What are the Steps Involved in Immunofluorescence Staining?

The basic steps of immunofluorescence staining include:

1. Fixation: Preserving the tissue or cells to maintain structure and antigenicity.
2. Permeabilization: Allowing antibodies to enter the cells by making the cell membrane permeable.
3. Blocking: Preventing non-specific binding of antibodies by using blocking agents.
4. Primary Antibody Incubation: Incubating the sample with the primary antibody specific to the target antigen.
5. Secondary Antibody Incubation: Incubating with a fluorescently labeled secondary antibody that binds to the primary antibody.
6. Mounting: Placing the sample on a slide and covering it with a mounting medium that may contain anti-fade agents.
7. Imaging: Visualizing the sample under a fluorescence microscope.