Surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy is employed to obtain chemical data with respect to cells while electrophysiological data relating to cell membranes is obtained using the patch clamp technique. A SERS-facilitating assembly is coupled to a micropipette and is used in conjunction with a monochromatic light source for generating scattered light. Surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy is employed to obtain the chemical data. Electrophysiological data is obtained using the same micropipette to perform the patch clamp technique.