Basics of Fluorescence and FRET

Zygmunt Gryczynski, Ignacy Gryczynski, Joseph R. Lakowicz

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterpeer-review

28 Scopus citations

Abstract

This chapter discusses the most important characteristics of fluorescence that plays a fundamental role in understanding the basics and the applications of Förster (fluorescence) resonance (radiationless) energy transfer (FRET). FRET is the transfer of electronic excitation energy between isolated donor D and acceptor A of suitable spectroscopic properties. The donor molecules, typically, emit at shorter wavelengths, which overlap with the absorption spectrum of the acceptor. This energy transfer occurs without the appearance of the photon and is the result of long-range interactions between the D and A dipoles. The most important factors affecting FRET are the overlap integral, the quantum yield of the donor in the absence of the acceptor, and the orientation factor. The quantitative analysis of steady-state and time-resolved FRET measurements provides information on global structures and conformational dynamics, and reveals thermodynamic parameters for conformational transition. This information is essential for the understanding of biological functions of proteins, DNA/RNA, and other biological assemblies that are frequently mediated by transitions between alternative conformations.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationMolecular Imaging
PublisherElsevier Inc.
Pages21-56
Number of pages36
ISBN (Print)9780195177206
DOIs
StatePublished - 2005

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Basics of Fluorescence and FRET'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this