Transforming plants and animals to glow in the dark to create bioluminescence is a complex process involving genetic engineering techniques. Here is a brief introduction to the basic steps and methods: 1. **Selection of luminescent genes**: - Commonly used luminescent genes come from luminescent organisms, such as jellyfish (luminescent protein GFP) or luminescent bacteria (such as luciferase genes). These genes encode proteins that can catalyze light-emitting chemical reactions. 2. **Gene synthesis and optimization**: - Synthesize the desired luminescent gene sequence and optimize it according to the characteristics of the target plant or animal so that it can be efficiently expressed in the new host. 3. **Vector construction**: - Prepare a vector containing the luminescent gene. This usually includes a promoter (element that controls gene expression) and a terminator sequence to ensure efficient transcription and translation of the gene in the host. 4. **Gene transformation**: - Introduce the vector into the cells of the target plant or animal. For plants, this is usually achieved through Agrobacterium-mediated transformation or gene guns. For animals, common methods include microinjection, electroporation, or virus-mediated transduction. 5. **Screening and cultivation**: - Individuals that have successfully integrated the luminescent gene are selected from the transformed tissues or cells and further cultured. Successful transgenic individuals are confirmed by using specific screening markers or directly observing the luminescence phenomenon. 6. **Expression verification**: - Verify the expression of the luminescent gene through molecular biology techniques (such as PCR, RT-PCR, Western blot), and measure the luminescence level through luminescence detection instruments. 7. **Environmental and safety assessment**: - Before large-scale application, evaluate the potential impact of transgenic animals and plants on the environment and ecosystem to ensure their safety and stability when used in an open environment. It is worth noting that although this technology has potential, it still faces many challenges in practical application, including ethical issues, ecological impacts and technical difficulties. Therefore, any such project should follow strict biosafety and ethical standards.