Part:BBa_K4989009
GFP
Application in the field of biology
Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP) is a naturally occurring protein that exhibits remarkable fluorescence when exposed to ultraviolet or blue light. The fluorescence of GFP arises from a chemical reaction within the protein. When exposed to UV or blue light, GFP absorbs photons and undergoes a process called fluorescence, where it emits green light. The chromophore, a small molecular group within the protein, is responsible for this fluorescence.GFP revolutionized cell and molecular biology by allowing scientists to visualize and track specific proteins or cells within living organisms.
It has been used to study processes such as gene expression, protein localization, cell migration, and cell division. GFP fusions are created by attaching the GFP gene to the gene of interest, enabling researchers to monitor its expression and localization in real-time. Also, it is commonly used as a reporter gene in molecular biology to assess the activity of promoters or the effectiveness of gene expression. By fusing the GFP gene with a promoter of interest, researchers can easily monitor when and where a gene is active. GFP-tagged proteins have been instrumental in studying protein localization within cells and tracking their movement. This has provided insights into organelle dynamics, vesicle transport, and the functioning of cellular structures.
In genetic studies, GFP has been used to label specific cells or tissues, making it possible to trace the development of embryos, observe the migration of cells, or identify specific cell types. It has played a crucial role in understanding developmental biology and genetics.
Configuration of the new part
Our new part was created due to the need for a cost-effective and easy way of identifying the colonies that have been transformed with the recombinant plasmid with the correct insert. We thought that it would be an easy way to see if the insert is properly included in the bacterium, although it is not really acurate.
The obtainment of the sequence and its difficulties
Our sequence came from SnapGene https://www.snapgene.com/plasmids/fluorescent_protein_genes_and_plasmids/GFP
Biosafety
Our part is safe to be synthesized and utilized on an open bench. Also, the product of the gene does not include any biohazard and does not pose any threat even if by chance there is a leak.
Characterization
Our team, chose for the gold medal to create a new improved part and characterize it as well as possible for the competition standards and the other IGEM teams. So we did not characterize this specific part any further, as something that is crucial to be conducted in the future.
References
[1]Zimmer, Marc. “Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP): Applications, Structure, and Related Photophysical Behavior.” Chemical Reviews, vol. 102, no. 3, Mar. 2002, pp. 759–82, https://doi.org/10.1021/cr010142r.
[2]Tsien, Roger Y. “THE GREEN FLUORESCENT PROTEIN.” Annual Review of Biochemistry, vol. 67, no. 1, June 1998, pp. 509–44, https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev.biochem.67.1.509.
[3]Chalfie, M. “Green Fluorescent Protein.” Photochemistry and Photobiology, vol. 62, no. 4, 1995, pp. 651–56, https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1751-1097.1995.tb08712.x.
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