Luciferase (Luc) or luciferin monooxygenase (Lucmo)is an oxidative enzyme used in bioluminescence. It catalyzes the oxidation of the pigment luciferin producing oxyluciferin and light[1]. See detailed analysis in
Luc is used in biological research to assess gene transfection into cells where the Luc gene is added to the transfected gene and the light emission by Luc measured for indication of the transfection success[2].
Several organisms are bioluminescent, meaning that they produce light. Luciferase is one of the enzymes that catalyzes light emitting reactions in organisms.
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Inouye S. Firefly luciferase: an adenylate-forming enzyme for multicatalytic functions. Cell Mol Life Sci. 2010 Feb;67(3):387-404. Epub 2009 Oct 27. PMID:19859663 doi:10.1007/s00018-009-0170-8