populations of daughter cells that are distinguished by the presence or absence of a phenotypic and or genetic marker micro clones of the daughter cells can be formed in the replicates the present invention also enables the microscopic examination of replicates in order to identify sub populations of cells distinguished by the detectable label the microscopic examination can be carried out manually by an observer using conventional microscopy equipment alternatively it can be performed in semi automated or fully automated fashion using video imaging equipment and computerized image generating enhancing and analysis techniques the inventive methodology described herein is also suitable for the isolation sub cloning and propagation in small or large culture of the cells of sub populations identified by screening the replicates pursuant to the present invention mother cells attach to a first surface and daughter cells to a second surface surfaces suitable for use in the invention include any surface to which a cell type of interest will attach with sufficient reproducibility and be retained with sufficient tenacity for making maintaining and replicating mother or daughter cell arrays such surfaces include but are not limited to surfaces of polystyrene and treated polystyrene surfaces commonly used in cell culture plastic and glass surfaces which may be untreated or treated to aid cell attachment including those treated with generic preparations e g poly l lysine collagen fibronectin laminin and the like or with proprietary preparations like 34 cell tak 34 available from collaborative research an adhesive protein from a marine mussel and 34 matrigel 34 which aid and promote cell adherence in addition cell layers such as feeder layers and the.