photoactivatable fluorescent proteins

Photoactivatable fluorescent proteins are special proteins that can emit light when exposed to specific wavelengths of light. Initially, these proteins are inactive and do not fluoresce, but when triggered by a certain color of light, they activate and start to glow. This property is useful in biological research, allowing scientists to track the movement and behavior of cells or proteins in real-time. By controlling when and where the proteins light up, researchers can study complex biological processes in a precise way, enhancing our understanding of cellular functions and interactions.