Using Chemistry to Observe and Manipulate Cells

This lecture delves into the use of chemistry to observe and manipulate cells, focusing on the development of chemical compounds that emit light of specific colors to label and observe cellular components. The instructor discusses the history of microscopy, the role of chemistry in bridging physics and biology, and the development of new ways to image biological processes. Various projects are presented, including the use of photoactivatable probes to image enzymes and cellular compartments, as well as the exploration of redox environments in different cell compartments. The lecture also covers the development of smaller labels for protein imaging and the activation of stress responses in cells, shedding light on potential mechanisms for cancer cell survival and communication. The audience is introduced to ongoing research projects aimed at understanding cellular responses and interactions through chemical manipulation.