What is one disadvantage of using GFP in experiments?

Using GFP in experiments can potentially alter the function of the tagged protein, which is a significant concern in molecular biology. When GFP is fused to a protein of interest, there is a possibility that the additional mass and structure of the GFP may interfere with the protein's native folding, stability, interactions, or overall function. This alteration can lead to misleading results, as the behavior of the tagged protein may not accurately reflect its original biological role or activity.

Understanding this disadvantage is crucial when designing experiments that involve protein tagging, as researchers must account for the potential changes in behavior caused by the inclusion of the fluorescent marker. This consideration helps in interpreting results and validating findings when GFP is used as a tool for visualizing protein localization or dynamics in living systems.