A fluorochrome is a fluorescent dye that emits light when exposed to specific wavelengths of light. These compounds are commonly used in biological and medical research to label and visualize cells, tissues, or biomolecules. When excited by a light source, fluorochromes absorb energy and re-emit it at a longer wavelength, allowing researchers to track and study various biological processes. Fluorochromes are often used in techniques such as fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry. They can be attached to antibodies or other molecules, enabling scientists to identify and quantify specific targets within complex samples. This makes fluorochromes essential tools in fields like immunology and cell biology.