Also, the digitized fluorescence video microscopy system can be used to measure membrane potential, cell viability, lysosomal pH and integrity, and membrane fluidity.
Calcium plays a very important role in normal cellular functions.
Confocal microscopy is also very effective for the examination of intracellular free calcium ion distribution and dynamics within the single intact living cell. Most cellular functions are extremely sensitive to pH, which varies widely among cellular compartments and undergoes changes in the course of many biological processes. For example, acidification of endosomes is very important in the ultimate disposition of extracellular materials such as hormones, toxins, viruses, and their receptors. Knowledge of changes in cellular pH is essential to the understanding of activities such as fertilization and the action of growth factors. The visualization of pH at every point within a living cell allows researchers to follow the dynamic changes in pH as they occur.