DAPI
Science & Engineering abbreviation · Biology
| Stands for | 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole |
|---|---|
| Categories | Science & Engineering |
DAPI stands for 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole, a biology abbreviation.
Blue fluorescent dye that binds strongly to DNA, used to stain cell nuclei in fluorescence microscopy and to count cells and analyze DNA content by flow cytometry. Under ultraviolet excitation it emits blue light, contrasting with green and red labels.
Example: Nuclei were counterstained with DAPI, and coverslips were mounted for imaging.
Usage notes
Otto Dann's group synthesized DAPI in 1971 while searching for drugs against trypanosomes. It enters fixed cells easily but crosses living cell membranes poorly, so Hoechst dyes are often preferred for live imaging. As a DNA-binding compound, it should be handled as a potential mutagen.
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