The utility of GFP in genetic engineering of horticultural plants

Reporter proteins play a significant role in developing and optimizing transformation protocols for plant species and they show a unique activity to visualize gene expression and protein localization. Chemical based selection for plant transformation is associated with a number of problems that might be avoided through visual selection. In recent years, the reporter protein GFP (Green Fluorescent Protein) has become very effective and highly valuable for use in biotechnology, cell biology, and biochemistry. It is a unique tool for monitoring gene expression, protein localization, detection of the gene flows and protein dynamics in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic living cells because it requires neither exogenous substrates nor cofactors for its activity. We discussed the use of jellyfish green fluorescent protein (GFP) as a reporter in horticultural plants. © Verlag Eugen Ulmer GmbH & Co