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BioluminescenceBioluminescence is the process by which an organism produces its own light due to a chemical reaction. It is sometimes mistaken for biofluorescence, the re-emission of absorbed light in a new color.
Though commonly associated with fireflies and glowworms, the phenomenon is rare in land species. By contrast, an estimated 75% of all ocean animals exhibit this ability themselves or through a symbiotic relationship with bioluminescent bacteria, which they use for self-defense, hunting prey, mating, and communication.
The steady bioluminescent glow comes from binding oxygen to one of several molecules called luciferin. The chemical reaction produces oxyluciferin, an unstable molecule that emits light. Different species possess different types of luciferin, each of which produces a different oxyluciferin product in the reaction. The variety of oxyluciferin results in the range of observed bioluminescent colors.
Scientists have used bioluminescent proteins to develop tools that enable the observation of cellular biological activity and the identification of biochemical signals within cells. This has enabled drug discovery by allowing monitoring of protein production, cellular movement, and viral spread.Explore Bioluminescence
What we've found
Humans have used bioluminescence as a means of military advantageDuring World War I, the British Navy sank a German U-boat after spotting the blue light forming at the sides and in the wake of the boat. Jellyfish slime was applied to a Roman walking stick for nighttime guidance, while bioluminescent fungi in Indonesia fulfilled the same purpose. Hakai MagazineBioluminescence produces new light while biofluorescence re-emits absorbed lightA chemical reaction between luciferin and oxygen—catalyzed by luciferase—produces light within bioluminescent organisms. Biofluorescence, on the other hand, involves special proteins that absorb light of one wavelength and re-emit the light at a different, typically longer, wavelength. IFLScienceBioluminescence became common in the ocean to support survival in dark environmentsDespite seeming like a rare ability in land animals and unseen in plants, bioluminescence has evolved at least 29 times across marine species, indicating its necessity for survival where hiding spots are rare and highlighting how environments provide evolutionary pressure. Real ScienceBioluminescence may provide a sustainable alternative to electric lightingFrench start-up Glowee is experimenting with lights made from bioluminescent microorganisms in public spaces to reduce energy use. While the technology shows promise, challenges remain with brightness, maintenance, and scaling it for widespread use. BBCThe first appearance of bioluminescence was at least 540 million years agoAfter analyzing fossils, genetic data, and statistical methods, scientists believe octocorals were the first organisms to evolve light-producing abilities. As a result of independent evolution across at least 94 species, this phenomenon is connected to a diverse range of behaviors. Smithsonian InstitutionView examples of luciferin, the light-emitting molecule behind bioluminescenceBioluminescent marine organisms rely on various unique luciferins, including Cypridina-type luciferin in seed shrimp and chlorophyll-based dinoflagellate luciferin, to react with oxygen to produce light. These chemicals require unique catalysts to help them bind with oxygen. UC Santa BarbaraBioluminescence provides organisms with a method of hunting, defense, or matingUnlike glow sticks, bioluminescent reactions use renewable resources like oxygen and ATP. This ability allows fireflies to mate and deter predators, anglerfish to confuse and attract prey, and deep-sea shrimp to defend themselves by vomiting glowing slush. TED-EdWhy 75% of ocean animals glowAbout 75% of ocean creatures can make their own light. It's called bioluminescence—and it all comes down to a special chemical reaction happening inside their bodies. 1440The deep-sea fangtooth has the largest teeth of any marine species relative to body sizeFrom transparent fish to the heaviest worms on the planet, these seven creepy creatures lurk in the deep sea. Learn all about them and the unique traits that help them survive and hunt. Mental FlossSpiders may manipulate captured male fireflies into mimicking female mating signalsRather than killing a male firefly captured in its web, the Araneus ventricosus spider bites into it, which researchers believe injects a venom that disrupts normal flashing behavior and produces a form of mimicry to attract additional males. (Some readers may experience a paywall.) The New York TimesWatch David Attenborough’s documentary on bioluminescent creaturesSea creatures can make their bodies glow to camouflage themselves by mimicking the appearance of the night sky as seen from underwater. Species without this ability can form a symbiotic relationship with bioluminescent bacteria or eat other organisms with relevant biochemicals. SymmetrySolutions of bioluminescent bacteria can create FOMO-inducing living artA 2002 exhibition at Montana State University-Bozeman placed the bacteria onto petri dishes that served as macroscopic pixels to create images. Once the bacteria finished eating all the food in the sealed dishes, the light slowly faded away, ending the exhibit. The Yellow SparrowGlowing blue tides result from bioluminescent dinoflagellatesMassive blooms of these tiny, single-celled organisms can quickly flash with neon blue light when moved by waves, currents, or passersby. The phenomenon is believed to be a defense mechanism, exposing predators to other hunters. Terra MaterView a sample of the bioluminescent tree of lifeThis diagram shows 42 different light-producing organisms, from bacteria and fungi to worms, fish, and crustaceans. It illustrates how the ability to produce light has appeared multiple times across the tree of life, rather than stemming from a single ancestor. Tabletop WhaleBioluminescent reaction enzymes are often used in biomedical researchNear-infrared luciferase systems allow researchers to image and analyze cellular activity in living animals because they penetrate tissue more deeply than visible light. This provides a means of studying gene expression and protein interactions without harming the animals. The ScientistWatch seed shrimp escape being eaten by releasing bioluminescent chemicalsWhen caught in the mouths of cardinal fish, this type of ostracod releases luciferins and photoproteins to illuminate the fish's body quickly. Feared being seen by a larger predator, the cardinal fish releases the ostracod alongside the chemicals. NowScienceNewsFireflies light up to provide mating signals and warnings to predatorsVariations in the illumination patterns and flight paths while emitting light have been observed across firefly species. Some species instead rely on pheromones if they are primarily active during the day or have lost the ability to illuminate. Science FridayView illustrations of bioluminescent functions in marine organismsBioluminescence can startle predators, camouflage, lure prey, confuse rivals, or facilitate mate recognition. One tactic—the burglar alarm—involves an organism releasing light to attract a larger predator to its attacker as a means of defense. UC Santa BarbaraView a gallery of bioluminescent organisms, including jellyfish and mushroomsSome species produce a quick flash of light, while others glow steadily with an eerie glow, often to seek attention or in response to being disturbed. Snails, worms, fungi, and other organisms highlight that this ability evolved independently, rather than from one common ancestor. Live Science
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