Bioluminescence mechanism

how bioluminescence work

1. Bioluminescence Mechanism - Purvi Gosrani

2. Introduction When a living organism produces and emits light as a result of a chemical reaction, the process is known as Bioluminescence Bio means 'living' in Greek while lumen means 'light' in Latin During the process, chemical energy is converted into light energy The process is caused by an enzyme-catalyzed chemoluminescence reaction The light production from bioluminescence is “cold light” emission, wherein less than 20% of the light is thermal radiation

3. How does bioluminescence work ? Bioluminescence is a product of a chemical reaction in an organism It involves a class of chemicals called luciferins ("light bringers“) The luciferin oxidizes in the presence of a catalytic enzyme ( luciferase ) to create light and an ineffective compound ( oxyluciferin )

4. Different organisms shows bioluminescence 1. Bacteria Family Vibrionaceae contains most bioluminescent bacteria Typically found as symbionts with deep sea animals gram negative, one or more flagella It uses bacterial luciferin for bioluminescence They create the phenomenon of a "milky sea" known to sailors for centuries

5. 2. Mushrooms and other Fungi “Foxfire” referred to the green glow light emitted by wood decaying mushrooms and other fungi It was used as a light source for the early wooden submarine They use luciferin illudin for bioluminescence, which is toxic to ingest

6. 3. Worms Both marine and terrestrial worms that exhibit bioluminescence Earthworm luminescence is produced by the coelomic fluid, and ranges from blue to orange depending on the species

7. 4. Insects Firefly is the most common terrestrial bioluminescence organism Variety of firefly species are found in the temperate to tropical regions of the Americas and parts of S.E. Asia

8. What is Bioluminescence Used For? Bioluminescence plays an important role in the ecology of the ocean The function of bioluminescence in the oceans is more clearly understood in the context of the essentially dark environment below about 200 m The functions of bioluminescence are for: Defence Schooling of fish Feeding Communication (in the dark) Mating 

9. Use of bioluminescence in defence While many defensive techniques are produced, one of the most common is the "burglar alarm" technique In step one, small predator is feeding on its bioluminescent prey, when a larger predator swims near In step two, the prey uses its bioluminescence to attract the larger predator, resulting in the fleeing of the smaller predator

10. Use of bioluminescence for mating There are some marine species that are sparsely populated, limiting the net reproduction that can occur Bioluminescence is one mechanism that would allow these species to increase their "perception distances It is believed that, the female emits a light of a specific wavelength to attract its mate, while avoiding the risk of being detected by a predator