GREEN FLUORESCENT PROTEIN Meaning and
Definition
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Green fluorescent protein (GFP) is a naturally occurring protein derived from the bioluminescent jellyfish Aequorea victoria that exhibits bright green fluorescence when exposed to ultraviolet light. GFP has garnered considerable scientific interest for its unique properties and has become a well-established and widely utilized tool in various biological research fields.
The protein is composed of around 238 amino acids and forms a distinctive structure known as a beta-barrel, wherein a single chromophore molecule is embedded. This chromophore molecule is responsible for GFP's fluorescence and emits green light by absorbing the blue portion of the incident light spectrum and re-emitting it in the green range. The vibrant fluorescence makes GFP an ideal marker to track specific proteins, cells, or organisms in living systems.
The versatility of GFP lies in its ability to readily fuse with other proteins or biomolecules, enabling researchers to visualize and track the interactions and movements of different molecules, cells, or tissues. By genetically engineering organisms to produce GFP or incorporating it into cells via various techniques, scientists have been able to monitor processes such as gene expression, protein synthesis, cellular localization, and cell division in real-time. Moreover, the introduction of modified versions of GFP with alternative colors has expanded the application potential of this protein further.
In summary, green fluorescent protein is a naturally occurring protein that exhibits bright green fluorescence when exposed to ultraviolet light. It is widely used in biological research as a versatile marker to study various biological processes in living systems.
