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A red fluorescent protein distantly related to GFP (DsRed) and the gene that codes for it

was isolated from which organism?
A) sea urchins
B) jellyfish
C) sea anenomes
D) mice
E) octopuses

User Gdawg
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2 Answers

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Final answer:

The red fluorescent protein DsRed and the gene encoding it were isolated from a sea anemone. DsRed is used as a biological marker in scientific research to visualize gene expression.

Step-by-step explanation:

The gene encoding red fluorescent protein, which is distantly related to GFP (Green Fluorescent Protein), was isolated from a sea anemone. This red fluorescent protein is known as DsRed. Like GFP, which was isolated from the jellyfish Aequorea victoria, DsRed is used as a biological marker in various applications for visualizing gene expression.

Bioluminescent proteins have evolved independently in different organisms, providing an excellent example of convergent evolution. While sea anemones differ from jellyfish, they also contribute to the toolkit of fluorescent proteins used in scientific research for labeling and studying cellular processes.

User Eric Choi
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4 votes

Final answer:

The red fluorescent protein DsRed and its corresponding gene were isolated from the sea anemone. It is used in research similarly to GFP, to study gene expression and cell biology.

Step-by-step explanation:

The red fluorescent protein distantly related to GFP (Green Fluorescent Protein), known as DsRed, and the gene coding for it were isolated from the sea anemone.

The DsRed protein exhibits bioluminescence characteristics similar to those found in GFP, but they are distinct proteins with DsRed evolving separately, an example of convergent evolution in bioluminescence. Sea anemone-derived fluorescent proteins have been used extensively in biological research to study gene expression and cellular processes.

Adding to the understanding of bioluminescence, different organisms, such as dinoflagellates and fireflies, have evolved this trait independently, employing various enzymes and substrate molecules. The phenomenon of fluorescent proteins like GFP and DsRed has greatly expanded the toolkit available for molecular and cellular biology research, enabling visualization of complex biological processes in real time.

User Yesenia
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