ABSTRACT
Understanding the complex cellular and molecular processes inside a living cell are essential for proper decoding of the intricate network of information that drives the biology of a living system. Over the past few decades, because of limitation in the cell imaging techniques, it was difficult or rather impossible to study the kinetics, dynamics, and three-dimensional architecture of biomolecules that operate within the cell. However, a gradual development in the field of optics, high-quality electronics, biomedical devices, and experimental methods, had led to the advancement of imaging technologies. In recent years many noninvasive and living cell visualization techniques have been evolved such as confocal, multiphoton intravital microscopy with potential application in several fields in biomedical sciences. The aforementioned devices have given better insight into the dynamic behavior of living cells in terms of gene expression, protein–protein interaction, DNA–protein interaction, cell division, colocalization, and intracellular transport of biomolecules in a real-time manner. The introduction of advanced imaging techniques such as intravital in vivo imaging including very recent cryoelectron microscopy has opened avenues for in-depth analysis of the cellular process in a pathophysiological condition that can lead to the foundation of novel therapeutic approaches for many diseases. Indeed, real-time visualization of live cells, animals, plants including smaller entities such as viruses have taken the scientific development in life sciences to the next higher level. This chapter covers the entire range of latest imaging techniques, available to date to efficiently capture various aspects of cellular dynamics from single to multicellular levels.
