Biosensors Used for Quantification of Nitrates in Plants

Table 2

Advantages and disadvantages of gene reporters that can be used as a sensing element of any nitrogen source.

Gene	Protein	Signal	Advantages	Disadvantages
Gfp	Green fluorescent protein	Green fluorescence	Multiple fluorophores; No diffusion; Does not affect the physiological mechanism of cell; Compatible for translational fusins	Moderate sensitivity; Temporal resolution; Fluorescence microscopy
LacZ	β-galactosidase	Fluorescence, colored molecules	Can use inexpensive light microscope	Requires reagent
dsRed	Red fluorescent	Red fluorescence	Can use inexpensive light microscope	Moderate sensitivity
CobA	Uroporphyrinogen III methyltransferase	Red Fluorescence		Use fluorescence microscopy
Luc	Luciferase (insect)	Light	High sensitivity; Linear across several orders of magnitude	Requires addition of coelenterazine
LuxCDABE	Bacterial luciferase	Light	High sensitivity and dynamic range	Moderate sensitivity and linearity
LuxAB	Bacterial luciferase	Light	Its high sensitivity and dynamic range, linear across	Requires addition of coelenterazine
InaZ	Ice nucleation protein	Ice	High sensitivity; Linear across; Excellent temporal resolution	Requires reagent