Confocal microscopy is a revolutionary method that allows researchers to observe processes that occur within cells and tissues with incredibly
high resolution and in a noninvasive manner. Scientists can follow the developmental processes in a live zebrafish using fluorescence and other
molecular tools without having to sacrifice the animal.
For example, scientists can fluorescently label neurons in zebrafish which have mutations that are linked to autism in humans. Confocal microscopy
allows scientists to watch how the mutated neurons alter the brain architecture throughout development. Understanding how mutations lead to
disease is a key step in discovering potential therapies.
Confocal microscopy can help answer questions such as
- How do diseased cells differ from normal cells?
- When and how does the normal developmental process become altered?
- Which molecules and pathways are disrupted during the disease process?
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