In the article "Gene analyses--sunny side up! Chemiluminescent detection systems for reporter gene assays" (D. Wilkinson, The Scientist, 13[7]:18-20, March 29,1999), the explanation for how CoA transforms light production by firefly luciferase from a flash to a continuous glow-type pattern is incorrect. CoA is thought to work by binding to firefly luciferase and causing stimulatory conformational changes that speed up the enzyme's ability to release the product oxyluciferin.1

  • S.R. Ford, L.M. Buck, and F.R. Leach, "Does the sulfhydryl or the adenine moiety of CoA enhance firefly luciferase activity?" Biochimica et Biophysica Acta, 1252:180-184, 1995.

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