What Techniques are Used to Study Biological Properties?
Microscopy Microscopy is the cornerstone technique in histology. Various types of microscopes, such as light microscopes, electron microscopes, and fluorescence microscopes, are used to visualize cells and tissues at different magnifications and resolutions.
Histological Staining Histological staining involves using dyes to enhance the contrast of biological tissues under a microscope. Common stains include Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E), which highlight cellular structures and ECM components, aiding in the identification of tissue types and abnormalities.
Immunohistochemistry Immunohistochemistry (IHC) is a technique that uses antibodies to detect specific proteins within tissues. This method is invaluable for identifying cellular markers and understanding the distribution and abundance of proteins in different tissue types.
Molecular Techniques Techniques such as in situ hybridization and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) are used to study the genetic material within cells. These methods help histologists understand gene expression patterns and the genetic basis of diseases.
