Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP) and Tobacco

Since the cloning of the green fluorescent protein (GFP) derived from the jellyfish Aequorea victoria, GFP and its derived forms have been widely used as a reporter gene in scientific research. In particular, GFP has been used extensively to visualize spatial and temporal patterns of gene expression in vivo and to study intracellular patterns of protein localization and trafficking.

Tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) is a model object of plant biotechnology. Tobacco is the most commonly used plant for expression of transgenes from a variety of organisms, because it is easily grown and transformed, it provides abundant amounts of fresh tissue and has a well-established cell culture system. Tobacco is also regarded as one of the best systems for chloroplast transformation. Tobacco plants can be used as living factories to produce proteins and enzymes, which can be extracted, purified, and used for the manufacturing of pharmaceuticals and other valuable industrial compounds. Transgenic tobacco plants are also ideal model organisms for the study of basic biological functions. When studying transgenic tobacco plants, GFP is often used as a reporter gene.

Below: structure of green fluorescent protein (GFP)

GFP Excitation and Emission

According to the spectrum, GFP has a major excitation peak at a wavelength of 395 nm and a minor one at 475 nm. The emission peak of GFP is at 509 nm, which is in the lower green portion of the visible spectrum.

To view the expression of GFP fluorescence in tobacco leaves, we recommend using GFP Fluorescence Flashlight GFPfinder-2101RB.

Fluorescence flashlight GFPfinder-2101RB provides Royal Blue light (440-460 nm) as the excitaion light and is excellent for detecting green fluorescent protein (GFP, EGFP, sfGFP, etc). The GFPfinder-2101RB Fluorescence Flashlight is easy to use, very portable and a 10th of the cost of a fluorescent dissecting scope! As a powerful GFP fluorescence flashlight, it has been highly rated by research institures around the world.

Figure below: a portable fluorescence flashlight to detect GFP fluorescence in tobacco leaves

GFP Expression in Tobacco Leaves

Using fluorescence flashlight GFPfinder-2101RB, GFP expression in tobacco leaves can be easily observed by the naked eyes and recorded using our supplied SLR camera filters as shown in the following figures. The fluorescence flashlight GFPfinder-2101RB is portable, lightweight, and powered by battery, so it is also an ideal tool for use in the field!

Figure 1: GFP expression in tobacco leaves under fluorescence flashlight GFPfinder-2101RB

Figure 2: GFP expression in tobacco leaves under fluorescence flashlight GFPfinder-2101RB

XEPU Scientific specializes in the R&D of fluorescent protein flashlights, multi-wavelength fluorescent protein lamps, and fluorescence viewing cabinets. Our products have been highly rated by customers as effective and powerful tools in the lab!