Bacterial and firefly luciferase genes in transgenic plants: Advantages and disadvantages of a reporter gene

Abstract
Genes encoding light‐emitting luciferase were recently isolated from luminous marine bacteria and fireflies. Expression of luciferase genes in diverse organisms is a unique way for studying gene expression by simple and sensitive measurement of light. Recent advances in application of luciferase reporter genes are reviewed and documented by examples of in vivo visualization of their expression in transgenic plants.