Applications of the green fluorescent protein as a molecular marker in environmental microorganisms

In this review, we examine numerous applications of the green fluorescent p rotein (GFP) marker gene in environmental microbiology research. The GFP an d its variants are reviewed and applications in plant-microbe interactions, biofilms, biodegradation, bacterial-protozoan interactions, gene transfer, and biosensors are discussed. Methods for detecting GFP-marked cells are a lso examined. The GFP is a useful marker in environmental microorganisms, a llowing new research that will increase our understanding of microorganisms in the environment. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.