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Some characteristics of commercially available firefly luciferase preparations

Journal Article · · J. Appl. Biochem.; (United States)
OSTI ID:5247291

Several biochemical suppliers are marketing firefly luciferase preparations that have different properties. Because of the widespread use of firefly luciferase for ATP analysis, we compared the characteristics of different luciferase preparations to allow rational evaluation of their suitability, and determined the most appropriate conditions for their use, in determination of ATP or other nucleotides. The lantern extracts supplied by Calbiochem and Sigma have higher inherent light emissions (without added ATP), are markedly stimulated by additional luciferin and, because of contaminating enzymes, are not specific for ATP. The purified luciferase preparations have lower inherent light emissions than crude preparations, are relatively free of interfering enzymes and are more nearly saturated with luciferin, although many are still stimulated by addition of luciferin. The sensitivity of the assay for ATP can be adjusted by changing the amount of the luciferase preparation used and/or by supplementing assay mixtures with additional luciferin.

Research Organization:
Oklahoma State Univ., Stillwater
OSTI ID:
5247291
Journal Information:
J. Appl. Biochem.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Appl. Biochem.; (United States) Vol. 1:5-6; ISSN JABID
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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