What does "Green Fluorescent Protein" mean?

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Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP) is a special protein that glows bright green when exposed to light of a particular wavelength. This glow makes GFP very useful in scientific research. Scientists use it as a marker to track the behavior of cells and proteins in living organisms.

GFP was first discovered in a jellyfish. Its unique properties allow researchers to attach it to other proteins they want to study. When the tagged proteins are expressed, the GFP glows, making it easy to see where the proteins are located and how they behave in different conditions.

The use of GFP has greatly impacted biology. It helps scientists learn more about how cells work, how proteins interact, and how genes are expressed. With improvements in GFP technology, including brighter variants and faster detection, researchers can gain better insights into complex biological processes.

Overall, GFP is a powerful tool that helps unlock the secrets of life at a molecular level, making it easier to observe and understand the inner workings of cells and living systems.