Practice question

In flow cytometry cells are hydrodynamically focused to pass single file through laser beam and resulting light interactions are precisely measured. Forward scatter collected along laser axis correlates with cell size and refractive index, distinguishing small lymphocytes from larger monocytes. Side scatter collected at ninety degrees reflects internal complexity, granularity and nuclear morphology. Fluorescence from fluorochrome conjugated antibodies is also recorded for immunophenotyping. UV and IR or X ray detectors are not primary parameters. The combination of forward and side scatter enables preliminary population discrimination even without staining.