We report on single-molecule experiments that were performed on two biologi
cal systems, the recently cloned red fluorescent protein of a coral of the
Discosoma genus (DsRed) and the enhanced green fluorescent protein, both of
which were immobilized in polyvinylalcohol. Fluorescence intensity traject
ories were recorded and compared to those of a reference compound, the orga
nic dye hexaphenylbenzene perylenemonoimide. Evidence was found for the pre
sence of DsRed as an oligomer even at subnanomolar concentrations. Both pro
teins show triplet blinking in the millisecond time range. Collective effec
ts could be observed for the Dsred oligomers. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V
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