Here's the breakdown:
* Original Purpose: The scientists were initially working on developing zebrafish that could be used to detect environmental toxins.
* Genetic Modification: They inserted a gene from a jellyfish into the zebrafish embryo. This gene codes for a fluorescent protein that makes the fish glow under UV light.
* Commercialization: The technology was licensed to a company called Yorktown Technologies, who began selling GloFish as pets.
Key Points:
* Not Naturally Occurring: GloFish are not a naturally occurring species. They are the result of human intervention through genetic engineering.
* Ethical Concerns: There are ethical concerns surrounding the creation and sale of GloFish, including the potential for unintended consequences on the environment.
Note: While the original GloFish were fluorescent green, there are now various colors available due to further genetic modifications.