Reflectin (nonfiction)

Reflectins are a family of intrinsically disordered proteins evolved by a certain number of cephalopods including Euprymna scolopes and Doryteuthis opalescens to produce iridescent camouflage and signaling. The recently identified protein family is enriched in aromatic and sulfur-containing amino acids, and is utilized by certain cephalopods to refract incident light in their environment. It is possible that reflectins are beta barrel type proteins. It is present in the iridophores and leucophores of cephalopods. There is evidence that the reflectin gene appeared in cephalopods due to a horizontal gene transfer with the marine bioluminescent bacterium, Aliivibrio fischeri.

See also

• Reflectin @ Wikipedia
• A marvelous molecular machine @