How are fluorescent proteins used in biological research? (GFP) I was told to us
ID: 146769 • Letter: H
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How are fluorescent proteins used in biological research? (GFP) I was told to use this link, but I had a hard time finding a good answer: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/green_fluorescent_protein How are fluorescent proteins used in biological research? (GFP) I was told to use this link, but I had a hard time finding a good answer: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/green_fluorescent_protein I was told to use this link, but I had a hard time finding a good answer: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/green_fluorescent_proteinExplanation / Answer
Fluorrescent protein are the member of homologous group of protein . They have the ability to form a visible wavelength chromophore within their polypeptide sequence. Shimomura and Johnson (1961) were the first one to isoloate it from Aequorea victoria jellyfish. When this protein was illuminated with UV light, it emitted the green fluorescence and hence named green fluoroscent protein (GPF).
In Biology, the GPF is commonly used as reporter gene. These reporter gene act as surrogate markers. They help in identifying whether a certain gene has been expressed in the cell or not. Since they can be heritable, they help in studying the cells or tissues continously, noninvasively.
GPF have been used as genetic fusion partner where they help in monitoring localiation and fate of the host proteins. They have helped in imaging of localization and dynamics of specific organelles or recombinant proteins in live cells. The morphology, distribution, and dynamics of the organelles can be studied as a function of time with the help of fluorescence microscopy. Since GPF is non-phototoxic, it is used to study the expression of protein (tagged with GPF) over the period of time. This has helped in improving understanding of many biological process such as protein transport, RNA dynamics, rate of gene expression etc.
FRET imaging using GPF mutants help in localizing and monitoring ion binding and molecular protein-protein interaction within a living cell. GPF are also used as sensors of neuron membrane potential; tracking entry of viruses and infections caused by them such as influenza or lentiviral virus. It has also found its use in studying gene therapy, regenrative medicines, cryobiology, cancer research. GPF labelling is also being used for studying macro-scale biological processes such as spread of viral infections.
Also, fluorescent proteins have beem used to create transgenic pets such as Glofish, Brainbow etc. Glofish was developed to help in studying polluton in waterways. transgenic dog was developed to help in studying nacrolepsy and blindness.
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