There are several methods for analyzing the number of cells undergoing proliferation. Cells or whole organisms can be treated with BrdU, a uracil analog, which is incorporated during DNA synthesis. Cells or tissues can be fixed and BrdU can be detected using BrdU-specific antibodies. Similarly, cells can be fixed without any pretreatment, and proliferation can be detected by antibodies specific for MKI67 or pH3 (phosphorylated histone 3). MKI67 can be detected at all active phases of the cell cycle (not interphasE. while pH3 can be detected during mitosis only.
Which detection method should be used to detect the greatest number of healthy cells?
A. pH3
B. Each method will detect the same number of proliferating cells
C. MK167
D. BrdU