light-emitting proteins

Light-emitting proteins, such as luciferase, are biological molecules capable of producing light through chemical reactions. In these reactions, the protein interacts with specific molecules called substrates (like luciferin), resulting in an energy release that emits visible light. This process is fundamental to phenomena like fireflies flashing or bioluminescent organisms. Scientists use these proteins as tools in research to track processes inside living cells, visualize gene activity, or detect pathogens, because they enable the visualization of biological functions without harming the organism.