What is the primary application of GFP in molecular biology?

The primary application of GFP in molecular biology is as a fluorescent marker for gene expression. This protein, originally derived from the jellyfish Aequorea victoria, exhibits strong fluorescence when exposed to ultraviolet or blue light. Its unique properties allow researchers to visualize and track gene expression in live cells and organisms without the need for substrate or additional staining methods. By tagging proteins or genetic constructs with GFP, scientists can observe cellular processes in real-time, monitor dynamic changes in gene expression, and study protein localization within cells. This versatility has made GFP a crucial tool in various areas of research, including developmental biology, neuroscience, and cancer research.

The use of GFP as a marker stands out because it provides a non-invasive way to label and study biological molecules, making it far more effective than colorimetric reagents, enzyme inhibitors, or nucleic acid probes in this context. Other methods often involve complicated procedures or lack the real-time imaging capabilities that GFP offers, which highlights the significance of this protein in modern molecular biology.