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FACS | Virtual Lab

Higher Education
Health Sciences
Biology
FACS
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About This Simulation

In the Fluorescence-automated Cell Sorting (FACS) Simulation, you will learn the basics of flow cytometry and find out how to use a flow cytometer with fluorescence detection.

Learning Objectives

  • Understand the basics of flow cytometry technique
  • Understand the importance of each system that the technique relies on (fluidics, optics, and electronics)
  • Use a cell sorter (start up, sorting, and shut down of the equipment)
  • Understand how the equipment performs the measurements
  • Interpret the results and understand the applications of the technique

About This Simulation

Level:
Higher Education
Length:
35
Min
Accessibility Mode:
Available
Languages:
English

Lab Techniques

  • Flow cytometry
No lab techniques are listed for this simulation.

Related Standards

University:
NGSS:
AP:
LB:
No lab techniques are listed for this simulation.

Learn More About This Simulation

Fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) is a specialized type of flow cytometry. It provides a method for sorting a heterogeneous mixture of cells one at a time, based on the specific light scattering and fluorescent characteristics of each cell. It provides fast, objective, and quantitative recording of fluorescent signals from individual cells, as well as physical separation of cells of particular interest.

Learn about FACS

Using the light scattering, FACS can detect cell size and complexity, while the fluorescence characteristics allow researchers to analyze different biological functions or study specific cell components. As a flow cytometry technique, FACS is also based on three main systems: fluidics, optics, and electronics. Their combined work allows the process of cell sorting.

Use your FACS knowledge to sort GFP

In the FACS simulation, you will learn the basics of flow cytometry and find out how to use a flow cytometer with fluorescence detection. Your goal is to sort a pool of Escherichia coli expressing Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP) at different levels after it has been previously engineered. You will set up the equipment, learn how the cytometer sorts the cells, interpret your results, and clean and shut down the equipment.

Will you be able to perform all the steps correctly and sort the cells depending on their GFP expression level?

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