Abstract
Firefly emits visible yellow-green light. The bioluminescence reaction is carried out by the enzyme luciferase. The bioluminescence color change by a single amino acid substitution in luciferase is most attractive interest, however the molecular mechanism has been unclear. In fact S286N mutant of Genji-botaru luciferase emits red light. We have determined wild-type and S286N crystal structures of Genji-botaru luciferase and uncovered a structural explanation for the color control mechanism in firefly luciferase. The degree of molecular rigidity of the excited oxyluciferin is involved in the color of bioluminescence during emission reaction.
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