Final answer:
Complex flotation machines, like the fluorescence-activated cell sorter (FACS), are used to sort cells into purified subpopulations. They operate based on the detection and reaction to fluorescence by a cell, resulting in separation based on charge. These machines are integral in advanced biological research and sample processing.
Step-by-step explanation:
Complex flotation machines are used in various fields, including cell sorting using immunofluorescence and other biological applications. For example, a fluorescence-activated cell sorter (FACS) is a specialized modification of a flow cytometer, which is used to sort cells from a single sample into purified subpopulations. This sorting process is based on the detection of fluorescence by a cell, which then triggers the device to add a charge to a droplet containing that cell. The charged droplets are then sorted by an electrostatic deflector into different collecting vessels, resulting in highly purified subpopulations of cells.Other areas where complex flotation might be involved include the processing of blood samples, where techniques involve centrifugation to obtain plasma, or the use of an autoclave for sterilizing samples. There's also the process of liquid-liquid extraction in sample preparation, which is crucial for isolating different components in a complex mixture.