Abstract
We have investigated the influence of the polarization direction of excitation light on DNA sizing results obtained by a flow cytometric technique. We found strong fluorescence anisotropy of the fluorescent signal from λ DNA stained with the bis-intercalating dye TOTO-1. Small fragments of DNA are less sensitive to polarization than larger pieces. This effect is more pronounced at faster flow speeds. These observations show a noticeable orientation of the DNA molecules introduced by the shear forces in the flow system. The data are consistent with an angle between the transition moment of fluorescence of TOTO-1, and the long axis of DNA is approximately 62°.
© 1999 Optical Society of America
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