Use of the green fluorescent protein as an educational tool

The green fluorescent protein (GFP) is a bioluminescent protein that can be expressed and easily detected as a fully fluorescent protein in both bacterial and eukaryotic cells. These properties, along with its ability to withstand exposure to denaturants, organic solvents, high temperature and a wide pH range, make GFP an ideal educational tool. To that end, two GFP-based laboratory modules are described that can be used to teach recombinant DNA and protein purification techniques to high school and undergraduate college students. Journal of Industrial Microbiology & Biotechnology (2000) 24, 323–326. Received 02 April 1999/ Accepted in revised form 20 November 1999