Bioluminescence Mechanism

- Purvi Gosrani

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

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)

Different organisms shows bioluminescence

1. Bacteria

Family Vibrionaceae contains most bioluminescent bacteria Typically found as symbionts with deep sea animalsgram negative, one or more flagellaIt uses bacterial luciferin for bioluminescenceThey create the phenomenon of a "milky sea" known to sailors for centuries

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

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

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

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:1. Defence2. Schooling of fish3. Feeding4. Communication (in the dark)5. Mating 

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

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