title: Optical systems for single cell analyses.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Data extracted from a population of cells represent the average response from all cells within the population. Even when the cells are genetically identical, cell-to-cell variations and genetic noise can make the cells respond in completely different ways. To understand the mechanisms behind the behaviour of a population, the cells must also be analysed on an individual basis.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This review highlights the use of optical manipulation, microfluidics and advanced fluorescence imaging techniques for the acquisition of single cell data.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  By implementation of these three techniques, it is possible to achieve a deeper insight into the principles underlying cellular functioning and a more thorough understanding of the phenomena often observed in cell populations, thus facilitating research in drug discovery.
authors.affiliation: Postdoctoral fellow University of Gothenburg, Department of Physics, SE-41296, Gothenburg, Sweden.
authors.forename: Kristin
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Sott
authors.forename: Emma
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Eriksson
authors.forename: Elzbieta
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Petelenz
authors.forename: Mattias
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Goksör