Question

Green fluorescent protein (GFP) can be used to fluorescently label a specific protein in cells by genetically engineering cells to synthesize the target protein fused to GFP. What is the advantage of using GFP fusions to visualize specific proteins, instead of staining cells with fluorescently labeled probes that bind to the target protein?

A. GFP fusions enable one to track changes in the location of the protein in living cells; staining usually requires preserved cells.
B. GFP fusions enable higher resolution than staining with fluorescent probes.
C. GFP permits the position of the protein in the cell more precisely than fluorescent probes.
D. GFP permits visualization of protein-protein interactions; fluorescent probes do not.
E. GFP fusions are not subject to artifacts; fluorescent probes may introduce background artifacts.

Answer 1

The correct answer is option A. "GFP fusions enable one to track changes in the location of the protein in living cells; staining usually requires preserved cells".

Step-by-step explanation:

The main advantage of using Green fluorescent protein (GFP) to label specific proteins instead of using staining cells is that GFP fusions enable one to track changes in the location of the protein in living cells, while staining usually requires preserved cells. GFP is particularly useful while studying how gene mutations impact a cell's function and the localization of the mutated gene. Also, GFP is useful while studying host–pathogen interaction, tracking the growth of a pathogen labeled with this fluorescent label.