Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP) emits green light due to the presence of a:
Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP) emits green light due to the presence of a:
Select an option to attempt
Correct Answer: Option D
Explanation
GFP fluorophore formation — post-translational modification:GFP (Green Fluorescent Protein from Aequorea victoria) undergoes a unique autocatalytic post-translational modification:1. The tripeptide Ser65-Tyr66-Gly67 undergoes spontaneous cyclization (nucleophilic attack by Gly67 backbone N on Ser65 carbonyl C).2. Followed by dehydration to form an imidazolinone ring.3. Then oxidation (by molecular O2) of the Tyr66 Cα-Cβ bond to generate the conjugated chromophore (4-(p-hydroxybenzylidene)imidazolidin-5-one).Key points:• No external enzymes, cofactors, or metal ions are required.• Oxygen is the only external requirement for chromophore maturation.• The protein itself provides the chromophore via this three-step modification.Answer: Post-translational modification (autocatalytic cyclization + oxidation) (Option 4).