Bioluminescence

Bioluminescence is the production and emission of light by an organism.

Light is emitted as a result of a biochemical reaction between a protein substrate, luciferin, and an enzyme, luciferase.

When these two proteins meet they bind in a complex which catalyses the luciferin dioxygen reaction by oxygen (O₂). Oxidation changes luciferin from a stable state into an unstable electronically excited state.

When it returns to its stable state, luciferin emits a proton that produces light generally in the blue and green spectrum. The luciferin – luciferase complex separates generating a CO₂molecule. The two proteins are then available for a new reaction cycle.

The light produced can then be reflected or amplified by other organic structures.

Symbiotic bacteria are usually responsible for these reactions although some groups such as the Lampyridae (glow worms and other Luciolae) produce their own luciferin and luciferase proteins.

Scientists believe that bioluminescence may have four functions for organisms:

• Camouflage Fish and other marine animals use their bioluminescence to be less visible to predators beneath them as when they are luminous they stand out less from the light surface above them.
• Attraction of sexual partners or prey.
• and repelling predators. Injecting a luminescent fluid may disturb a predator during an attack, making it easier for the prey to escape;
• Visual communication.