
Aequorea victoria (green fluorescent protein source)
Aequorea victoria is a species of jellyfish native to the Pacific Ocean. It is renowned for producing a natural green fluorescent protein (GFP), which glows green when exposed to certain types of light. Scientists have harnessed GFP from this jellyfish as a powerful tool in molecular biology, allowing them to tag and visualize specific genes, proteins, or cells in living organisms. This discovery has revolutionized biological research by enabling real-time observation of complex biological processes, making it easier to study everything from cell behavior to disease progression.