Final answer:
Sweep flow in a Coulter counter ensures individual cell counting by maintaining a constant, laminar flow that presents cells in a single file to the sensing zone, preventing clogging and inaccuracies.
Step-by-step explanation:
Sweep flow is an important component in the operation of a Coulter counter, which is an electronic device used for counting cells. The principle of a Coulter counter involves measuring changes in electrical resistance as cells pass through a small aperture between two electrodes in an electrolyte solution. The sweep flow refers to the movement of fluid that carries the cells through the aperture, ensuring that each cell is counted individually and that cells do not stick to the aperture, which can cause clogs and result in inaccurate counts. This flow is crucial to the precision of cell counting in a Coulter counter. By maintaining a constant, laminar flow of cells, the sweep flow assists in presenting cells in a single file line to the sensing zone for accurate detection and counting.