摘要: The green fluorescent protein is a key technology in bioimaging. In this critical review, we consider how its various applications can be tailored from knowledge of the excited state chemistry. photophysics basic chromophore solution are described detail, and dominant radiationless decay mechanism characterised. quite different wild type GFP next. unique proton transfer reaction observed used to model processes proteins. Examples where blocked, or redirected occur over low short barrier H-bond discussed. Finally underlying new generation photochemically active proteins discussed (155 references).