Why do researchers often choose to use fluorescent proteins like GFP?

Researchers often choose to use fluorescent proteins like Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP) primarily because of their ability to provide real-time imaging of biological processes. This capability enables scientists to visualize and track the behavior and interactions of proteins, cells, and other biological molecules in live organisms, which is crucial for understanding cellular functions and dynamics.

The use of GFP and similar fluorescent proteins allows for non-invasive observation in live cells, providing insights into processes such as gene expression, protein localization, and cellular interactions as they occur in real-time. This contributes not only to basic biological research but also to applied fields such as developmental biology and drug discovery.

While factors such as purification ease and chemical stability can be considerations when selecting fluorescent proteins, the real-time imaging capability is a defining feature that sets GFP apart and makes it an invaluable tool in molecular and cellular biology.