Aequorea victoria
Aequorea victoria is a species of jellyfish found in the coastal waters of the Pacific Ocean, particularly around the west coast of North America. It is known for its bioluminescent properties, which allow it to emit a greenish light when disturbed. This jellyfish has a bell-shaped body and long, trailing tentacles that can capture prey.
The bioluminescence of Aequorea victoria is due to a protein called green fluorescent protein (GFP), which has become an important tool in molecular biology. Researchers use GFP to study cellular processes and track proteins in living organisms, making it a significant contribution to scientific research.