FRET (Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer)

FRET, or Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer, is a technique used to study interactions between molecules. It involves two fluorescent molecules: a donor and an acceptor. When the donor molecule is excited by light, it can transfer energy to the nearby acceptor molecule if they are very close (typically within 1-10 nanometers). This transfer causes the acceptor to fluoresce (emit light), while the donor’s glow decreases. By measuring this energy transfer, scientists can determine how close the molecules are, helping to understand biological processes like protein interactions or cellular signaling.