Sample interview questions: Can you explain the concept of optical trapping and its applications in biological research?
Sample answer:
Optical trapping is a technique that uses a tightly focused laser beam to manipulate and confine microscopic particles. The focused beam creates a region of high intensity light, which exerts a force on the particle due to the transfer of momentum from photons to the particle. This force, known as the optical gradient force, can be used to trap and move the particle in three dimensions.
In biological research, optical trapping has a wide range of applications, including:
-
Cell Manipulation: Optical trapping allows for the manipulation of individual cells, such as positioning them for imaging or sorting them based on size or other properties. This technique has been used to study cell migration, cell-cell interactions, and cell signaling.
-
Subcellular Organelle Manipulation: Optical trapping can be used to manipulate subcellular organelles, such as mitochondria, lysosomes, and nuclei. This technique has been used to study organelle dynamics, organelle function, and organelle-organelle interactions.
-
Single-Molecule Manipulation: Optical trapping can be used to manipulate single molecules, such as DNA, RNA, and proteins. This technique has been used to stud… Read full answer