Flow cytometry and fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) are techniques that analyze and sort cells based on their optical and fluorescence characteristics. Flow cytometry works by passing cells in single file past a laser, detecting the light scattered and emitted. FACS allows cells to be sorted one by one into containers based on their light scattering and fluorescence properties measured using flow cytometry. The process involves hydrodynamically focusing cells into a stream, labeling with fluorescent markers, exciting with a laser, and using charged plates to deflect droplets containing sorted cells into collection tubes. These techniques are commonly used for cell analysis, sorting, and isolation in research and bioprocess applications.