What is the color of the fluorescence of YFP?

Fluorescence of Yellow Fluorescent Protein (YFP)

Yellow Fluorescent Protein (YFP) is a variant of the green fluorescent protein (GFP), which has been genetically modified to fluoresce in the yellow region of the visible spectrum. YFP is widely used in molecular and cellular biology as a reporter molecule for monitoring gene expression, protein localization, and for studying protein-protein interactions in live cells and organisms.

Color of YFP Fluorescence

The fluorescence of YFP is characterized by its emission peak. Specifically, YFP emits fluorescence with a peak at approximately 527 nm in the visible spectrum. This emission peak corresponds to a yellow color, hence the name Yellow Fluorescent Protein.

Excitation Characteristics

For excitation, YFP typically has an excitation maximum around 514 nm. This means that to efficiently excite YFP and induce its characteristic yellow fluorescence, light of approximately 514 nm (which falls in the green portion of the spectrum) is used.

Applications and Importance

YFP's unique spectral properties make it an invaluable tool in various biological and medical research applications. It is particularly useful in fluorescence microscopy, where it can be used in conjunction with other fluorescent proteins to study the dynamics and interactions of multiple proteins within the same cell. The ability to visualize and track proteins in real-time provides critical insights into cellular processes, contributing significantly to our understanding of biological mechanisms.