Why must GFP be purified quickly after extraction?

The purification of GFP (Green Fluorescent Protein) soon after extraction is crucial primarily to prevent degradation and maintain its biological activity. Once GFP is extracted from its source, it can be subject to a variety of environmental factors that can lead to denaturation or degradation, such as changes in temperature, pH, or exposure to proteolytic enzymes. Rapid purification ensures that the protein retains its structure and functionality, which are essential for its fluorescence properties.

Maintaining the integrity of the protein is vital, as any alterations to its structure could diminish its ability to fluoresce or affect its performance in various applications, such as in imaging or tagging within biological systems. Thus, the speed of purification plays a critical role in preserving the desired characteristics of GFP after extraction.