Aequorin
Aequorin
Aequorin (pronounced: /ˌiːkwɔːˈriːn/) is a calcium-binding protein that emits light upon binding with calcium. This protein was first discovered in the bioluminescent jellyfish Aequorea victoria.
Etymology
The term 'Aequorin' is derived from the Latin word 'Aequorea', which is the genus name of the jellyfish species from which it was first isolated. The suffix '-in' is commonly used in biochemistry to denote proteins.
Function
Aequorin is a photoprotein, meaning it emits light as a result of a biochemical reaction. In the presence of calcium ions, aequorin undergoes a conformational change that leads to the emission of blue light. This property has made aequorin a valuable tool in biological research, particularly in the study of calcium signaling within cells.
Related Terms
- Bioluminescence: The production and emission of light by a living organism as the result of a chemical reaction during which chemical energy is converted to light energy.
- Photoprotein: A type of protein that emits light as a result of a biochemical reaction.
- Calcium signaling: The use of calcium ions (Ca2+) as a universal signal in the cells of an organism.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Aequorin
- Wikipedia's article - Aequorin
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