What is the difference between GFP and EGFP?
Share
Difference Between GFP and EGFP
GFP (Green Fluorescent Protein) and EGFP (Enhanced Green Fluorescent Protein) are both widely used as markers in molecular and cellular biology for the visualization and localization of proteins within living cells. However, they have distinct characteristics that differentiate them.
Origins and Structure
GFP: Originally isolated from the jellyfish Aequorea victoria, GFP fluoresces green when exposed to light in the blue to ultraviolet range. Its primary structure consists of 238 amino acids, forming a barrel-shaped structure that protects the chromophore.
EGFP: EGFP is a variant of wild-type GFP, engineered for improved characteristics. It contains mutations that enhance its fluorescence and make it more useful for biological applications.
Key Differences
| Feature | GFP | EGFP |
|---|---|---|
| Brightness | Less bright | More bright due to mutations |
| Fluorescence Stability | Lower | Higher, making it more stable over time |
| Expression in Mammalian Cells | Less efficient | More efficient due to codon optimization |
| Chromophore Maturation | Slower | Faster, enhancing its immediate usability in experiments |
Applications
Both GFP and EGFP are used in a variety of biological and medical research applications, including gene expression studies, tracking of cell and tissue development, and in vivo imaging. EGFP, with its enhanced properties, is particularly favored for more demanding applications where higher fluorescence intensity and stability are required.
For further reading and detailed studies, one might refer to scientific literature and resources such as the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI).