One of the key applications of flow cytometry is the study of the cell cycle. The cell cycle is a complex process that regulates cellular growth and division and is essential for maintaining cellular homeostasis. Flow cytometry allows researchers to analyze the distribution of cells across different phases of the cell cycle, including the G1, S, G2, and M phases.
By staining cells with specific DNA dyes such as propidium iodide or DAPI, flow cytometry can be used to measure DNA content and identify the proportion of cells in each stage of the cell cycle. This information can provide insights into cellular proliferation, differentiation, and regulation of the cell cycle.