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The structure of the beautiful and useful Green
Fluorescent Protein (PDB 1GFL, F. Yang)
is available as a 3D etching inside a glass block, 65 by 65 by 85mm (about 3
1/2 inches tall), and makes a unique gift for researchers and science fans
alike.
At right is the front view, below is the left view.
Barrel of Fun
GFP, produced naturally by the "crystal jelly" Aequorea
victoria, folds up in the form of a curious can-like structure.
Through this shielding shape loops a coil of protein with a special
sequence of molecules, the "fluorophore" (shown in
ball-and-stick). That's where the magic happens. The fluorophore
fluoresces — it absorbs invisible ultra-violet light and
radiates it in return as glowing green.
Guiding Star
It's an amazingly useful protein for scientific research; tack it on to
objects you want to monitor (or just retrovirally modify genomic segments
to express the protein) and shine a UV light. Because of its research
utility it's become a ubiquitous tool for molecular and cell biology.
Indeed, in October of 2008 Osamu
Shimomura, Martin Chalfie, and Roger Y. Tsien were awarded the Nobel Prize
in Chemistry for their brilliant contributions to our modern scientific
use of GFP, with The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences calling GFP a
"guiding star" and likening its research development to the invention of
the microscope.
This block ships with clear rubber feet, to avoid scratches on your desk or
mantel. Without a stand, it works best against a dark background.
GFP crystal - $50
This piece ships on a 1-week turnaround, by Federal Express in the United States, or by
Air Mail to other countries.
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