Discovery of Bioluminescence Mechanisms

Marine Biology & Oceanography 1962

Discoverers: Osamu Shimomura

Overview

Isolation and characterisation of green fluorescent protein (GFP) from the jellyfish Aequorea victoria, revealing the chemistry of marine bioluminescence.

Significance

GFP became one of the most important tools in biological research, allowing scientists to visualise gene expression and protein dynamics in living cells.

Methodology

Purification of GFP from 10,000 jellyfish specimens, determining its chromophore structure and fluorescence properties.

Impact