the enzyme responsible for bioluminescence in some organisms
luciferase in American English
(luˈsɪfərˌeɪs)
noun
an oxidizing enzyme that acts with luciferin to produce light
Word origin
luciferin + -ase
Examples of 'luciferase' in a sentence
luciferase
With this level of sensitivity, luciferase-based reporter gene assays take just seconds per plate.
The Scientist (2000)
In addition, since the enzyme is not post-translational modified, luciferase activity is closely coupled to protein synthesis.
The Scientist (2001)
He added that the technique was much simpler than trying to engineer the luciferase itself.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
Luciferase activity can be measured by light emission and is a function of the genotoxicity of the test compound.
The Scientist (2000)
Their glow is based on an enzyme called luciferase, which is what gives fireflies their light.
2019, 'These Glowing Plants Could One Day Light Our Homes', Smithsonianhttps://www.smithsonianmag.com/smithsonian-institution/these-glowing-plants-could-one-day-light-homes-180972238/
The light, which is pale red, green or yellow, is caused by an enzyme called luciferase.