What can GFP be used to create in bioengineering?

Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP) is a valuable tool in bioengineering, particularly in the development of biosensors for monitoring various biological processes. GFP can be genetically fused to other proteins, allowing researchers to visualize and track the expression and localization of specific proteins within cells. This functionality makes it an excellent marker for studying cellular processes in real-time.

When used as a biosensor, GFP can indicate changes in environmental conditions, cellular activities, or the presence of specific molecules. For instance, biosensors that incorporate GFP can help monitor the levels of certain pollutants, detect pathogens, or assess cellular responses to different treatments. The ability to observe GFP fluorescence under specific conditions provides researchers with immediate, visual feedback on biological interactions, making it a powerful tool in both research and practical applications.

In contrast, other options such as creating new fertilizers, developing optimal growth media, and engineering pest-resistant crops are not direct applications of GFP itself but might utilize different biological tools and techniques in their respective fields.