The molecular switch embedded in the biopolymer sensor (IMAGE)
Caption
The molecular switch in the biopolymer sensor consists of a protein that acts like a lock and key. When a target molecule or pathogen (blue) binds to the switch, it uncovers the “lock” allowing a molecular key (red) to combine and form a complete luciferase enzyme (green) with the lock. Luciferase, found in fireflies and glowworms, can then emit a green light indicating the presence and quantity of the target
Credit
Alfredo Quijano, University of Washington
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