What unique characteristic of GFP allows it to be tracked in living organisms?

The unique characteristic of Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP) that allows it to be tracked in living organisms is its inherent fluorescence. GFP naturally fluoresces under ultraviolet or blue light, emitting a bright green light without the need for additional substrates or treatments. This property makes it an invaluable tool in molecular biology, particularly in live-cell imaging. Researchers can introduce the GFP gene into various organisms or specific cells, enabling them to visualize the distribution, dynamics, and interactions of proteins or even entire cells in real-time using fluorescence microscopy.

The ability to detect GFP through its fluorescence allows for non-invasive monitoring of biological processes in living tissues, which is essential for studying physiological processes and disease mechanisms without harming the organism. This characteristic of emitting light under specific conditions is what sets GFP apart as a powerful marker in biological research.