In theory, could you genetically modify any animal with the glow in the dark firefly gene? If this is the case – does

Question: In theory, could you genetically modify any animal with the glow in the dark firefly gene? If this is the case - does that mean that fish night lights might be a possibility?!
- Keywords:
  engineer,
  gene,
  light
Asked by to Amy on 26 Jun 2014. This question was also asked by .
- Amy Monaghan answered on 26 Jun 2014:
  
  Hi Hannahgrimes, awesome question
  
  So in theory yes you can modify any animal with the firefly luciferase gene. But unfortunately most animals do not also contain them chemical luciferin which is needed to activate the protein and make it glow.
  
  HOWEVER I have good news! There is another gene called GFP which produces green fluorescent protein. This can be inserted into animals or cells in exactly the same way, and causes them to GLOW IN THE DARK. It is usually used as a genetic marker by scientists to show them which animals have certain disease proteins. So glow in the dark mice, rabbits and fish all exist!
  
  So if we really wanted we could all have a goldfish nightlight! 😀

hannahgrimes commented on 26 Jun 2014:

Thanks! Definitely would want one of those!!

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Question: In theory, could you genetically modify any animal with the glow in the dark firefly gene? If this is the case - does that mean that fish night lights might be a possibility?!