Aequorea
Aequorea is a genus of hydrozoans in the family Aequoreidae. It includes the bioluminescent jellyfish Aequorea victoria, which is notable for its green fluorescent protein (GFP). This protein has revolutionized biological research, allowing scientists to visualize cellular processes and track gene expression.
Common Names
Members of the genus Aequorea are commonly known as "jellyfish" or "hydrozoans". The species Aequorea victoria is sometimes referred to as the "crystal jellyfish" due to its translucent appearance.
Characteristics
Aequorea species are small, bell-shaped jellyfish with a diameter typically ranging from 2 to 5 centimeters. They have a characteristically translucent appearance and often have a ring of tentacles around the bell margin. The most prominent feature of Aequorea is their bioluminescence, which is produced by specialized cells called photocytes. These cells contain the protein aequorin, which emits blue light when it reacts with calcium ions. In Aequorea victoria, the blue light is then absorbed by GFP, which emits green light. This process is known as bioluminescence resonance energy transfer.
Environments
Aequorea species are found in coastal waters around the world, with Aequorea victoria being particularly common in the waters of the Pacific Northwest. They are typically found in shallow, sheltered bays and estuaries. Aequorea victoria has also been observed in the open ocean.
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