Process for producing a cloned luciferase-synthesizing microorganism

Abstract

A process for producing a cloned luciferase-synthesizing microorganism, capable of the expression of bioluminescence, is disclosed. The process involves isolation and digestion of the genomic DNA of an appropriate bioluminescent microorganism, such as Vibrio harveyi, to obtain a DNA fragment which codes for luciferase. The DNA fragment is inserted into a pre-existing cloning vehicle under the control of an expression promoter, thereby producing a recombinant or derivatized cloning vehicle. A host microorganism is transformed with the derivatized cloning vehicle, cultured and purified for the expression of bioluminescence.