What are the advantages and disadvantages of using GFP versus lacZ as a reporter gene in mice, C. elegans, and Drosophila?

Question

Accepted Answer

Welcome back. Let's look at our next question. Suppose a researcher is interested in studying gene expression in mice, sea elegans and ROSA. What reporter gene can be used that emits light when excited by a specific wavelength of light allowing for visualization and quantification of gene expression in live cells. Choice. A lack Z choice B lack Y choice C G F P choice D lack O. Well, as we look through our answer choices, we can recognize that there's only two reporter genes here. Commonly used choice a lack Z the gene for beta galactica. So be next to it and G F P the green fluorescent protein. So we'll go ahead and eliminate lack Y and lack O as they're not reporter genes used. And the key qualifications were given is that it emits light when excited by a specific wavelength and it allows for visualization and quantification of gene expression in live cells. Well, that's going to be our G F P green fluorescent protein fluorescent indicates it has fluorescence, it emits light when it's excited by a specific wavelength. So that's present there. And then the key advantage of G F P is that it can be used in live cells. The lack Z reporter system requires uh preparation the cells and staining that's not compatible with live cells. So that's why choice A is not our correct answer. Whereas G F P, the animal uh can be alive, the organism can be alive. And you can also look at the degree of fluorescence to get a measure to quantify the level of gene expression. So the reporter gene we're looking for here choice C G F P. See you in the next video.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of using GFP versus lacZ as a reporter gene in mice, C. elegans, and Drosophila?

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Key Concepts

Reporter Genes

GFP (Green Fluorescent Protein)

lacZ Gene