What is the difference between TagBFP and EBFP2?
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Differences between TagBFP and EBFP2
TagBFP and EBFP2 are both blue fluorescent proteins used in various biological and optical engineering applications. Despite their similar applications, they have distinct characteristics and differences.
Origin
- TagBFP: Derived from the Entacmaea quadricolor fluorescent protein.
- EBFP2: An enhanced version of the original Blue Fluorescent Protein (BFP), which itself is a mutant of the green fluorescent protein (GFP) from Aequorea victoria.
Spectral Properties
| Property | TagBFP | EBFP2 |
|---|---|---|
| Excitation Max (nm) | 402 | 383 |
| Emission Max (nm) | 457 | 448 |
| Quantum Yield | 0.63 | 0.56 |
| Molar Extinction Coefficient (M-1cm-1) | 56,000 | 29,000 |
Photostability
TagBFP is significantly more photostable than EBFP2, making it more suitable for applications requiring prolonged fluorescence observation.
Applications
Both TagBFP and EBFP2 are used in molecular and cellular biology for labeling proteins, tracking gene expression, and visualizing cellular processes. However, TagBFP's superior photostability and brighter fluorescence make it more favorable for applications requiring high-intensity fluorescence and long-term imaging.
Conclusion
In summary, while both TagBFP and EBFP2 serve similar purposes in the field of optical engineering and molecular biology, TagBFP offers advantages in terms of brightness, photostability, and spectral properties, making it a more desirable choice for many applications.