Flow cytometry: illuminating microbiology.

By means of flow cytometry, a technique whereby a hydrodynamically directed stream of cells is passed through a focus of exciting light, one can measure cell size and the macromolecular content of individual bacteria. The sensitivity and versatility of the flow cytometer make it a powerful tool in studies of the bacterial cell cycle, in identifying and characterizing bacterial infections, and in selecting bacteria of desired qualities. We review some of these applications of flow cytometry and conclude that this method holds great promise in many other areas of microbiology.