Fura-2

Fura-2 is a specialized chemical dye used in biology to measure calcium levels inside cells. Calcium ions are vital for various cell functions, like signaling and muscle contraction. Fura-2 can bind to calcium and change its properties—specifically how it absorbs and emits light. By shining light on cells loaded with Fura-2 and measuring the emitted fluorescence at different wavelengths, scientists can accurately determine the amount of calcium inside the cells in real time. This tool helps researchers understand cellular processes and how cells respond to different stimuli.