photoproteins

Photoproteins are specialized proteins capable of producing light through a chemical reaction when they interact with specific ions, typically calcium. These proteins contain a precursor molecule that, upon binding to calcium, undergoes a change that causes it to emit visible light. They are naturally found in bioluminescent marine organisms like jellyfish and certain types of coral. Photoproteins are useful in scientific research and biotechnology as tools for detecting calcium levels, tracking cellular processes, and developing biosensors, due to their precise and efficient light-emitting properties triggered by specific biological signals.