Fluorophore

A fluorophore is a component of a molecule which causes a molecule to be fluorescent.

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It is a functional group in a molecule which will absorb energy of a specific wavelength and re-emit energy at a different (but equally specific) wavelength. The amount and wavelength of the emitted energy depend on both the flourophore and the chemical environment of the flourophore. Fluorescein is an example of a fluorophore which can be chemically attached to a different, non-fluorescent molecule to create a new and fluorescent molecule. This technology has particular importance in the field of biochemistry and protein studies.

Related Topics:
Functional group - Fluorescein - Biochemistry - Protein

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