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Bioluminescence

Bioluminescence is the light put out by a creature like a lightning bug or anglerfish; it's light produced and emitted as a result of a chemical reaction to convert chemical energy into light energy. It's caused when a luciferin (a type of pigment) is oxidized by a luciferase (a type of enzyme), and generally refers ATP to work.

Some 90% of deep-sea marine life is believed to produce bioluminescence. Most of these emissions are in the blue and green light spectra, but a few fish emit red or infrared light. On land, fireflies and New Zealand glow worms are known for bioluminescence. A few other insects, larvae, arachnids, and even some fungi also possess some bioluminescence. Creatures which have developed it use it for camouflage, attraction, repulsion, or communication. It is also found in some microscopic creatures like dinoflagellates.

Genes for bioluminescence have been isolated and inserted into the DNA of other organisms successfully. These genes are seen as potential reporter gene tools, helping geneticists track other genes more easily.

In addition to genetic reporting, a plethora of engineered bioluminescence uses have been suggested, such as self-lighting Christmas trees or bioluminescent pets.

Web Resources On Bioluminescence

The Bioluminescence Web Page
HBOI: Bioluminescence

Book Resources On Bioluminescence

Bioluminescence and Chemiluminescence by Campbell et al
Bioluminescence Methods & Protocols by Robert A. Larossa

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