Fluorescent proteins are special proteins that emit light when exposed to specific wavelengths of light. They are commonly found in certain organisms, such as jellyfish and coral, and are used in various scientific applications, including biological imaging and cell biology. These proteins can be genetically engineered to produce different colors, making them useful for tracking cellular processes. Researchers utilize fluorescent proteins to visualize and study living cells in real-time. By tagging specific proteins or structures within cells with these fluorescent markers, scientists can observe dynamic processes, such as protein interactions and cell division, enhancing our understanding of biological functions and disease mechanisms.