Fluorescent Proteins

Green fluorescent protein (GFP) is a protein that exhibits bright green fluorescence when exposed to light in the blue to ultraviolet range. In cell and molecular biology, the GFP gene is frequently used as a reporter of expression. GFP can be introduced into animals or other species through transgenic techniques, and maintained in their genome and that of their offspring. To date, GFP has been expressed in many species, including bacteria, yeasts, fungi, fish and mammals, including in human cells. Red fluorescent protein (RFP) is a fluorescent protein homologous to green fluorescent protein, and can emit red fluorescence under ultraviolet light.