Nucleic acids encoding chromophores/fluorophores and methods for using the same

Nucleic acid compositions encoding novel chromo/fluoroproteins and mutants thereof are provided. The subject proteins of interest are proteins that are colored and/or fluorescent, where this feature arises from the interaction of two or more residues of the protein. The subject proteins are further characterized in that they are either obtained from non-bioluminescent Cnidarian, e.g., Anthozoan, species or are obtained from non-Pennatulacean (sea pen) species. Specific proteins of interest include proteins obtained from the following specific Anthozoan species: Anemonia majano (NFP-1), Clavularia sp. (NFP-2), Zoanthus sp. (NFP-3 & NFP-4), Discosoma striata (NFP-5), Discosoma sp. "red"(NFP-6), Anemonia sulcata (NFP-7), Discosoma sp "green"(NFP-8), and Discosoma sp."magenta"(NFP-9). Also of interest are proteins that are substantially similar to, or mutants of, the above specific proteins. Also provided are fragments of the nucleic acids and the peptides encoded thereby, as well as antibodies to the subject proteins and transgenic cells and organisms. The subject protein and nucleic acid compositions find use in a variety of different applications. Finally, kits for use in such applications, e.g., that include the subject nucleic acid compositions, are provided.