Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP)

PBD# 1GFL

GFP is found in Aequorea victoria, a jellyfish in the North Pacific. This protein is comprised of a “β-can,” which means it has a cylinder shape made up of 11 strands of β-sheet with an internal αhelix and short α-helices on the ends of the cylinder. This protein has biochemical significance because it emits light when shown light. When GFP is exposed to blue light (395 nm) it emits a green light (509 nm). Researchers have been able to create transgenic organisms that express GFP in whatever part of the organism being observed. GFP is conveniently able to fold by itself with no additional steps to make it fluoresce. Just attach this protein to what you want to observe and shine UV light on it, thus eliminating the need for staining processes. Since its discovery, GFP has been engineered to emit different colors. The resulting mutants of GFP can now fluoresce in blue and yellow. This protein has also been put to use as biosensors, glowing when detecting the presence of specific ions or pH changes.

Picture of GFP:

Applications of GFP have also spread into animal breeding for pets and art. The artist Eduardo Kac has created a transgenic bunny which he has titled “Alba.” Alba is an albino rabbit that glows green when exposed to blue light (488 nm). Breeders of pets are also exploring the applications of GFP to the point where now you can purchase fluorescent fish and plants. However, there is significant controversy regarding the safety and morality of genetically engineered pets.

Alba the fluorescent bunny:

What is Biochemistry?

Biochemistry is a study of the structure and function of organic molecules found in living systems and how these molecules react and are regulated within cells to form the mechanisms of all biological processes. While biochemistry spans a range of topics, the main focus is the biological basis of disease in humans, animals and plants. Because biochemistry is a broad based science there are many subspecialties which include, but are not limited to: neurochemistry, bioorganic chemistry, clinical/physical biochemistry, molecular genetics, biochemical pharmacology and immunochemistry. The molecules analyzed in biochemistry include: proteins, nucleic acids, lipids, vitamins and hormones/neurotransmitters. An example of biochemistry being put to work is seen in biopharmaceutical companies where protein drugs are exuded by genetically modified cells and subsequently purified from the resulting solution.


There are some subtle differences between the field of biochemistry and the fields of genetics, biology, chemistry and molecular biology but it is very important to note there are many instances where these sciences cross over. It is sometimes difficult to distinguish where a given topic may be categorized within this list.


What I believe are the main differences between these sciences:

• Biology includes studies of organisms that are not always mediated by organic chemical reactions  
• One of focus of chemistry is chemical reactions between elements not found in organic systems.
• While genetics is a study that is mainly focused on biological inheritance, biochemistry delves into other topics that may or may not include genetic materials.
• Molecular biology is a study that mainly focuses on the interactions within a cell while biochemistry goes beyond the membrane.