FACS (Fluorescence Activated Cell Sorting)

Interactive, scaffolded model

Overview and Learning Objectives

Students learn about the many ways cell sorting is useful in science research, and are introduced to the role of molecular tagging in the FACS procedure. They explore three functions of the machine, and then move to working with models.

Students will understand the basic components of the FACS cell sorting procedure and the science underneath it (fluorescence and separation by charge).

Students will be able to:

• make a cell fluoresce;

• tag an antibody with a fluorescent marker;

• manipulate cell placement through changing the charge on two plates;

• connect key stages of a FACS machine.

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Central Concepts

Key Concept:

The FACS procedure combines basic science ideas: that some molecules fluoresce, that other molecules selectively bind to molecules within cells, and that electric fields can deflect charged particles.

Additional Related Concepts

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Activity Credits

using Molecular Workbench

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Requirements

• Java 1.5+ - Java 1.5+ is available for Windows, Linux, and Mac OS X 10.4 and greater. If you are using Mac OS X 10.3, you can download MW Version 1.3 and explore within it instead.

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