Difference between revisions of "Bioluminescence" - New World Encyclopedia

From New World Encyclopedia
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==Characteristics of the phenomenon==  
 
==Characteristics of the phenomenon==  
[[Image:Red tide bioluminescence at midnight.jpg|thumb|center|740px|Image of bioluminescent [[red tide]] event of 2005 at a beach in Carlsbad California showing brilliantly glowing crashing waves containing billions of ''Lingulodinium polyedrum'' [[dinoflagellates]]. The blue light is a result of a luciferase enzyme ]]
 
 
Simply defined, bioluminescence is "light produced by a chemical reaction" that "originates in an organism" (Haddock et al. 2006). The name bioluminescence originates from the Greek ''bios'' for "living" and the [[Latin]] ''lumen'' for "light."  
 
Simply defined, bioluminescence is "light produced by a chemical reaction" that "originates in an organism" (Haddock et al. 2006). The name bioluminescence originates from the Greek ''bios'' for "living" and the [[Latin]] ''lumen'' for "light."  
  
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In [[bacteria]], the expression of [[gene]]s related to bioluminescence is controlled by an [[operon]] (key nucleotide sequence) called the Lux operon.
 
In [[bacteria]], the expression of [[gene]]s related to bioluminescence is controlled by an [[operon]] (key nucleotide sequence) called the Lux operon.
 +
[[Image:Red tide bioluminescence at midnight.jpg|thumb|center|740px|Image of bioluminescent red tide event of 2005 at a beach in Carlsbad California showing brilliantly glowing crashing waves containing billions of ''Lingulodinium polyedrum'' [[dinoflagellate]]s. The blue light is a result of a luciferase enzyme ]]
  
 
==Types of organisms==
 
==Types of organisms==
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Bioluminescence is primarily a marine phenomena, especially at mid-ocean depths. It is rare in terrestrial environments, and essentially absent in freshwater, with a few exceptions (Haddock et al. 2006). It is not known in [[plant]]s or tetrapods ([[amphibian]]s, [[reptile]]s, [[bird]]s, and [[mammal]]s). Bioluminescence is the predominate source of light in the deep ocean (Haddock et al. 2006).  
 
Bioluminescence is primarily a marine phenomena, especially at mid-ocean depths. It is rare in terrestrial environments, and essentially absent in freshwater, with a few exceptions (Haddock et al. 2006). It is not known in [[plant]]s or tetrapods ([[amphibian]]s, [[reptile]]s, [[bird]]s, and [[mammal]]s). Bioluminescence is the predominate source of light in the deep ocean (Haddock et al. 2006).  
  
Most marine light-emission belongs in the [[blue]] and [[green]] [[electromagnetic radiation|light spectrum]], the wavelengths that can transmit through the [[seawater]] most easily. However, certain loose jawed fish emit [[red]] and [[infrared]] light.
+
Most marine light-emission belongs in the [[blue]] and [[green]] [[electromagnetic radiation|light spectrum]]. For one reason, blue-green light (wavelength around 470 nm) transmits furthest in water, and secondly because most organisms are sensitive only to blue light, lacking visual pigments for longer or shorter wavelengths (Haddock et al. 2006). However, certain loose jawed fish (Malacosteid family) emit red (nearly infrared) light, that they can use to see their prey without their prey (or predators) being alerted (Haddock et al. 2006). They also produce blue-gree light from a separate organ (Haddock et al. 2006).
  
While terrestrial bioluminescence is less widely distributed, a larger variety in colors are seen. The two best-known forms of land bioluminescence are [[Firefly|fireflies]] and [[New Zealand]] [[Phengodidae|glow worms]]. Other [[insect]]s, [[insect larva]]e, [[annelid]]s, [[arachnid]]s and even species of [[fungus|fungi]] have been noted to possess bioluminescent abilities.  
+
 
 +
While terrestrial bioluminescence is less widely distributed, a larger variety in colors are seen. The two best-known forms of land bioluminescence are [[Firefly|fireflies]] and [[New Zealand]] [[Phengodidae|glow worms]]. Other [[insect]]s, insect larvae, [[annelid]]s, [[arachnid]]s, and even species of [[fungus|fungi]] have been noted to possess bioluminescent abilities.  
  
 
In addition, bioluminescence may be generated by [[symbiotic]] organisms carried within a larger organism.
 
In addition, bioluminescence may be generated by [[symbiotic]] organisms carried within a larger organism.
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==Adaptations for bioluminescence==
 
==Adaptations for bioluminescence==
There are four main advantages attributed to bioluminescence:  
+
There are four main advantages attributed to bioluminescence: camouflage, attraction, repulsion, and communication.
 
 
Defense, Offense, Communication, and dispersal.
 
Camouflage, attracting, repulsion, communication
 
 
 
A squid which changes the color of its luminescence to match moonlight and sunlight.
 
 
 
 
 
A siphonophore which uses red light to lure fish to its tentacles.
 
 
 
 
 
Tiny single-celled organisms that make the sea sparkle.
 
 
 
 
 
Fishes like Malacosteus and Aristostomias with their own "night vision" light.
 
  
 +
===Camouflage===
  
Crustaceans which send out coded messages to their own species when it is time to mate.  
+
Some squid use bioluminescence to provide counterillumination, defending against predators by producing light (a soft glow) on their ventral surface to match the light coming from above, making them difficult to detect from below (just as a darker dorsal surface makes aquatic organisms difficult to detect from above) (Haddock et al. 2006). Some can change the color of their luminescence to match moonlight or sunlight (Haddock et al. 2006).
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
===Camouflage===
 
{{mainarticle|Camouflage}}
 
  
 
===Attraction===
 
===Attraction===
Bioluminescence is used as a [[lure]] to attract [[prey]] by several [[deep sea fish]] such as the [[anglerfish]]. A dangling [[appendage]] that extends from the head of the fish attracts small animals to within striking distance of the fish. Some fish, however, use a non-bioluminescent lure.
+
Bioluminescence is used as a lure to attract prey by several deep sea fish, such as the [[anglerfish]]. A dangling appendage that extends from the head of the fish attracts small animals to within striking distance of the fish. Some fish, however, use a non-bioluminescent lure. A siphonophore uses red light to lure fish to its tentacles.  
  
The [[cookiecutter shark]] uses bioluminescence for camouflage, but a small patch on its underbelly remains dark and appears as a small fish to large predatory fish like [[tuna]] and [[mackerel]]. When these fish try to consume the "small fish", they are bitten by the shark.
+
The cookiecutter shark uses bioluminescence for camouflage, but a small patch on its underbelly remains dark and appears as a small fish to large predatory fish like [[tuna]] and [[mackerel]]. When these fish try to consume the "small fish," they become prey for the the shark.
  
[[Dinoflagellate]]s have an interesting twist on this mechanism. When a [[predator]] of [[plankton]] is sensed through motion in the water, the dinoflagellate luminesces. This in turn attracts even larger predators which will consume the would-be predator of the dinoflagellate.
+
[[Dinoflagellate]]s have an interesting twist on this mechanism. When a predator of [[plankton]] is sensed through motion in the water, the dinoflagellate luminesces. This in turn attracts even larger predators, which will consume the would-be predator of the dinoflagellate.
  
The attraction of [[sexual intercourse|mates]] is another proposed mechanism of bioluminescent action. This is seen actively in [[firefly|fireflies]] who use periodic flashing in their abdomens to attract mates in the mating season. In the marine environment this has only been well-documented in certain small [[crustaceans|crustacean]] called [[ostracods|ostracod]]. It has been suggested that [[pheromone]]s may be used for long-distance communication, and bioluminescent used at close range to "home in" on the target.
+
The attraction of mates is another proposed mechanism of bioluminescent action. This is seen actively in [[firefly|fireflies]], who use periodic flashing in their abdomens to attract mates in the mating season. In the marine environment this has only been well-documented in certain small [[crustacean]]s called [[ostracod]]s. It has been suggested that [[pheromone]]s may be used for long-distance communication, and bioluminescent used at close range to "home in" on the target.
  
The [[honey mushroom]] attracts [[insect]]s using bioluminescence so that the insects will help disseminate the fungus' [[spore]]s into the environment.
+
The honey [[mushroom]] attracts [[insect]]s using bioluminescence so that the insects will help disseminate the fungus' [[spore]]s into the environment.
  
 
===Repulsion===
 
===Repulsion===
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===Communication===
 
===Communication===
Bioluminescence is thought to play a direct role in communication between bacteria (see [[quorum sensing]]). It promotes the symbiotic induction of bacteria into host species, and may play a role in colony aggregation.
+
Bioluminescence is thought to play a direct role in communication between bacteria. It promotes the symbiotic induction of bacteria into host species, and may play a role in colony aggregation.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Almost all marine bioluminescence is blue in color, for two related reasons.
 
 
 
First, blue-green light (wavelength around 470 nm) transmits furthest in water. The reason that underwater photos usually look blue is because red light is quickly absorbed as you descend.
 
 
 
The second reason for bioluminescence to be blue is that most organisms are sensitive only to blue light — they lack the visual pigments which can absorb longer (yellow, red) or shorter (indigo, ultraviolet) wavelengths.
 
 
 
 
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
 
 
 
 
A notable exception to this "rule" is Malacosteid family of fishes (known as Loosejaws), which produce red light and are able to see this light when other organisms can not.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The light produced by species like Malacosteus, Aristostomias, and Pachystomias has such long wavelengths that it is nearly infrared and is barely visible to a human eye. In addition, they can produce typical blue-green light from a separate organ.
 
 
 
 
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
 
 
Why Red Light
 
 
 
The ability to produce red light, gives the Malacosteidae a huge advantage in the deep sea. Although the light doesn't travel very far, it lets them see their prey, without alerting the prey or any potentially curious predators. So these fish produce a red signal meant only for themselves, and a blue-green signal, perhaps used as a warning to others.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 +
Some crustaceans send out coded messages by bioluminescence to their own species when it is time to mate (Haddock et al. 2006).
  
 
==Biotechnology==
 
==Biotechnology==
[[Image:Glowing tobacco plant.jpg|thumb|left|175px|"Artificial" bioluminescence induced by [[genetic engineering]] of a tobacco plant.]]
+
[[Image:Glowing tobacco plant.jpg|thumb|left|175px|"Artificial" bioluminescence induced by genetic engineering of a tobacco plant.]]
Bioluminescent organisms are a target for many areas of research. Luciferase systems are widely used in the field of [[genetic engineering]] as [[reporter gene]]s (see picture left). Luciferase systems have also been harnessed for biomedical research using [[bioluminescence imaging]].
+
Bioluminescent organisms are a target for many areas of research. Luciferase systems are widely used in the field of genetic engineering as reporter genes (see picture left). Luciferase systems have also been harnessed for biomedical research using bioluminescence imaging.
  
''[[Vibrio]]'' symbiosis with numerous marine invertebrates and fish, namely the [[Hawaiian Bobtail Squid]] (''Euprymna scolopes'') is a key [[model organism|experimental model]] for [[symbiosis]], [[quorum sensing]], and bioluminescence.
+
''Vibrio'' [[symbiosis]] with numerous marine [[invertebrate]]s and [[fish]], namely the Hawaiian Bobtail Squid (''Euprymna scolopes'') is a key model organism for symbiosis, quorum sensing, and bioluminescence.
  
The structure of [[photophore]]s, the light producing organs in bioluminescent organisms, are being investigated by [[industrial design]]ers.
+
The structure of [[photophore]]s, the light producing organs in bioluminescent organisms, are being investigated by industrial designers.
  
 
Some proposed applications of engineered bioluminescence include:
 
Some proposed applications of engineered bioluminescence include:
*[[Christmas tree]]s that do not need lights, reducing dangerous [[electronics]]
+
*[[Christmas tree]]s that do not need lights, reducing electrical dangers
*glowing trees to line [[highway]]s to save government [[electricity]] bills
+
*glowing trees to line highways to save government [[electricity]] bills
 
*[[agriculture|agricultural]] crops and domestic plants that luminesce when they need watering
 
*[[agriculture|agricultural]] crops and domestic plants that luminesce when they need watering
 
*new methods for detecting bacterial contamination of meats and other foods
 
*new methods for detecting bacterial contamination of meats and other foods
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==Organisms that bioluminesce==
 
==Organisms that bioluminesce==
All cells produce some form of bioluminescence within the electromagnetic spectrum, but most is neither visible nor noticeable to the naked eye. Every organism's bioluminescence is unique in wavelength, duration, timing and regularity of flashes. Below follows a list of organisms which have been observed to have visible bioluminescence.
+
All cells produce some form of bioluminescence within the electromagnetic spectrum, but most is neither visible nor noticeable to the naked eye. Every organism's bioluminescence is unique in wavelength, duration, timing, and regularity of flashes. Below follows a list of organisms which have been observed to have visible bioluminescence.
  
 
===Non-marine organisms===
 
===Non-marine organisms===
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**[[Firefly|fireflies]]
 
**[[Firefly|fireflies]]
 
**[[Phengodidae|glow worms]]
 
**[[Phengodidae|glow worms]]
***[[railroad worm]]s
+
***railroad worms
**certain [[Mycetophilidae|mycetophilid]] [[fly|flies]]
+
**certain mycetophilid [[fly|flies]]
 
**certain [[centipede]]s
 
**certain [[centipede]]s
 
**certain [[millipede]]s
 
**certain [[millipede]]s
 
*[[annelid]]s
 
*[[annelid]]s
*[[Mushroom]]s (see [[Foxfire (bioluminescence)|Foxfire]])
+
*[[Mushroom]]s  
**Jack O'Lantern mushroom ''([[Omphalotus olearius]])''
+
**Jack O'Lantern mushroom ''(Omphalotus olearius)''
**[[Honey mushroom]]
+
**Honey mushroom
**[[Panellus stipticus]]
+
**Panellus stipticus
**several species of [[Mycena]]
+
**several species of Mycena
  
 
===Fish===
 
===Fish===
*[[cookie cutter shark]]
+
*Cookie cutter shark
*[[Marine hatchetfish]]
+
*Marine hatchetfish
 
*[[Anglerfish]]
 
*[[Anglerfish]]
*[[Flashlight fish]]
+
*Flashlight fish
*[[Pineconefish]]
+
*Pineconefish
*[[Porichthys]]
+
*Porichthys
*[[Beebe's monster]]
+
*Beebe's monster
*[[Gulper Eel]]
+
*Gulper Eel
*Many [[rattail]]s
+
*Many rattails
  
 
===Marine invertebrates===
 
===Marine invertebrates===
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**[[Sea pen]]s
 
**[[Sea pen]]s
 
**[[coral]]
 
**[[coral]]
**''[[Aequorea victoria]]'', a [[jellyfish]]
+
**''Aequorea victoria'', a [[jellyfish]]
 
*[[Ctenophore]]s or "comb jellies"
 
*[[Ctenophore]]s or "comb jellies"
 
*certain [[echinoderm]]s
 
*certain [[echinoderm]]s
Line 165: Line 113:
 
**[[krill]]
 
**[[krill]]
 
*certain [[Octopus]]es
 
*certain [[Octopus]]es
**[[Bolitaenidae]]
+
**Bolitaenidae
 
*certain [[squid]]
 
*certain [[squid]]
 
**the order [[Teuthida]]
 
**the order [[Teuthida]]
**[[Colossal Squid]]
+
**Colossal Squid
**[[Mastigoteuthidae]]
+
**Mastigoteuthidae
**[[Sepiolidae]]
+
**Sepiolidae
**[[Sparkling Enope Squid]]
+
**Sparkling Enope Squid
 
 
 
===Plankton and microbes===
 
===Plankton and microbes===
 
*[[Dinoflagellate]]s
 
*[[Dinoflagellate]]s
*[[Vibrionaceae]] (e.g. ''[[Vibrio fischeri]]'', ''[[Vibrio harveyi]]'', ''[[Photobacterium phosphoreum|Vibrio phosphoreum]]'')
+
*Vibrionaceae (e.g. ''Vibrio fischeri'', ''Vibrio harveyi'', ''Vibrio phosphoreum'')
  
 
==References==
 
==References==
  
Haddock, S.H.D.; McDougall, C.M.; Case, J.F. "The Bioluminescence Web Page", http://lifesci.ucsb.edu/~biolum/ (created 1997; updated 2006; accessed XX/XX/XX).  
+
* Haddock, S. H. D., C. M. McDougall, and J. F. Case. 2006 (created 1997). [[http://lifesci.ucsb.edu/~biolum The bioluminescence web page]. ''University of California, Santa Barbara''. Retrieved April 6, 2007.
 
+
* Young, R. E., and R. M. Mencher. 1980. Bioluminescence in mesopelagic squid: Diel color change during counterillumination. ''Science'' 208: 1286-1288.  
Young, R.E. and R.M. Mencher. (1980) Bioluminescence in mesopelagic squid: diel color change during counterillumination. Science, 208:1286-1288.  
+
* Young, R. E., and C. F. E. Roper. 1976. Bioluminescent countershading in midwater animals: Evidence from living squid. ''Science'' 191: 1046-1048.  
 
 
 
 
Young, R.E. and C.F.E. Roper. (1976) Bioluminescent countershading in midwater animals: evidence from living squid. Science, 191:1046-1048.  
 
 
 
 
 
==See also==
 
*[[biophoton]]
 
*[[Milky Sea]]
 
*[[De Phenomenis in Orbe Lunae]]
 
*[[Foxfire (bioluminescence)|Foxfire]]
 
*[[List of light sources]]
 
*[[Alba (rabbit)]]
 
  
 
==External links==  
 
==External links==  
*[http://lifesci.ucsb.edu/~biolum/ Bioluminescence web page]
 
*[http://www.sdnhm.org/kids/lightsalive/ Lights Alive!] at [[San Diego Natural History Museum]]
 
*[http://www.sciencenews.org/pages/sn_arc98/8_1_98/fob5.htm Glow in the Dark Shark has Killer Smudge] article describing [[cookie cutter shark]] adaptation
 
*[http://www.shoarns.com/Luminous.html Glowing & Luminous Fungi Algae and Fireflies: A collection of references to Bioluminescence]
 
*[http://www.iq.usp.br/wwwdocentes/stevani/ Fungi Bioluminescence Laboratory] 
 
 
[[Category:Bioluminescence| ]]
 
[[Category:Fisheries science]]
 
 
[[bn:জীব দ্যুতি]]
 
[[de:Biolumineszenz]]
 
[[es:Bioluminiscencia]]
 
[[eo:Lumantaj bestoj]]
 
[[fr:Bioluminescence]]
 
[[is:Lífljómun]]
 
[[it:Bioluminescenza]]
 
[[he:ביולומינסנציה]]
 
[[mk:Биолуминисценција]]
 
[[nl:Bioluminescentie]]
 
[[no:Bioluminescens]]
 
[[nn:Bioluminescens]]
 
[[pl:Bioluminescencja]]
 
[[fi:Bioluminesenssi]]
 
[[sv:Mareld]]
 
[[tg:Биолюминесентсия]]
 
[[tr:Biyoluminesans]]
 
  
 +
*[http://www.sciencenews.org/pages/sn_arc98/8_1_98/fob5.htm Glow in the Dark Shark has Killer Smudge]. Retrieved April 6, 2007. Article describing cookie cutter shark adaptation.
 +
*[http://www.shoarns.com/Luminous.html Glowing & Luminous Fungi Algae and Fireflies: A collection of references to Bioluminescence]. Retrieved April 6, 2007.
  
  
 
{{credit|119792288}}
 
{{credit|119792288}}
 
[[Category:Life sciences]]
 
[[Category:Life sciences]]

Revision as of 00:41, 6 April 2007

Bioluminescence is the production and emission of light by a living organism as the result of a chemical reaction during which chemical energy is converted to light energy. It is widespread in the marine environment, but rare in terrestrial and especially freshwater environments. Examples include emission of visible light by dinoflagellates, jellyfish, squid, copepods, fireflies, and many other organisms belonging to a wide diversity of taxonomic groups.

Characteristics of the phenomenon

Simply defined, bioluminescence is "light produced by a chemical reaction" that "originates in an organism" (Haddock et al. 2006). The name bioluminescence originates from the Greek bios for "living" and the Latin lumen for "light."

Bioluminescence is a form of luminescence, or "cold light" emission; less than 20% of the light generates thermal radiation]]. Bioluminescence should not be confused with fluorescence or phosphorescence. In fluorescence, the molecular absorption of a photon triggers the emission of another photon with a longer wavelength. In other words, the energy originates from an external source of light, which is absorbed and almost immediately emitted (Haddock et al. 2006). In phosphorescence, the material absorbs an external source of light as well, but does not immediately re-emit the radiation it absorbs. The absorbed radiation may be re-emitted at a lower intensity for up to several hours.

Chimiluminescence (or chemoluminescence) is the general term for production of ight via a chemical reaction, and thus bioluminescence is a subset of chemiluminescence, but where the light-producing chemical reaction occurs inside an organism (Haddock et al. 2006).

Bioluminescence is generated by an enzyme-catalyzed chemoluminescence reaction, wherein the pigment luciferin is oxidized by the enzyme luciferase. In other wrods, the chemical luciferin is the one that produces light and the chemical luciferase is the one that drives or catalyzes the reaction (Haddock et al. 2006). Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is involved in most instances. The chemical reaction can occur either within or outside of the cell.

In bacteria, the expression of genes related to bioluminescence is controlled by an operon (key nucleotide sequence) called the Lux operon.

File:Red tide bioluminescence at midnight.jpg
Image of bioluminescent red tide event of 2005 at a beach in Carlsbad California showing brilliantly glowing crashing waves containing billions of Lingulodinium polyedrum dinoflagellates. The blue light is a result of a luciferase enzyme

Types of organisms

Bioluminescence occurs in a great diversity of taxa, including bacteria, fungi, dinoflagellates, annelids, ctenophores (comb jellies), cnidarians (jellyfish), mollusks, crustaceans, echinoderms, and insects, and fish. In comb jellies, jellyfish, and cephalopods, much of the genera have luminous species. However, while nearly all comb-jellies can make light, it should be noted that they also produce brilliant colors via diffraction through their comb plates, rather than bioluminescence, such as seen in the case of the best known comb jelly, Pleurobrachia, which does not luminesce (Haddock 2006).

Bioluminescence is primarily a marine phenomena, especially at mid-ocean depths. It is rare in terrestrial environments, and essentially absent in freshwater, with a few exceptions (Haddock et al. 2006). It is not known in plants or tetrapods (amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals). Bioluminescence is the predominate source of light in the deep ocean (Haddock et al. 2006).

Most marine light-emission belongs in the blue and green light spectrum. For one reason, blue-green light (wavelength around 470 nm) transmits furthest in water, and secondly because most organisms are sensitive only to blue light, lacking visual pigments for longer or shorter wavelengths (Haddock et al. 2006). However, certain loose jawed fish (Malacosteid family) emit red (nearly infrared) light, that they can use to see their prey without their prey (or predators) being alerted (Haddock et al. 2006). They also produce blue-gree light from a separate organ (Haddock et al. 2006).


While terrestrial bioluminescence is less widely distributed, a larger variety in colors are seen. The two best-known forms of land bioluminescence are fireflies and New Zealand glow worms. Other insects, insect larvae, annelids, arachnids, and even species of fungi have been noted to possess bioluminescent abilities.

In addition, bioluminescence may be generated by symbiotic organisms carried within a larger organism.

Artistic rendering of bioluminescent Antarctic krill (watercolor by Uwe Kils)

Adaptations for bioluminescence

There are four main advantages attributed to bioluminescence: camouflage, attraction, repulsion, and communication.

Camouflage

Some squid use bioluminescence to provide counterillumination, defending against predators by producing light (a soft glow) on their ventral surface to match the light coming from above, making them difficult to detect from below (just as a darker dorsal surface makes aquatic organisms difficult to detect from above) (Haddock et al. 2006). Some can change the color of their luminescence to match moonlight or sunlight (Haddock et al. 2006).

Attraction

Bioluminescence is used as a lure to attract prey by several deep sea fish, such as the anglerfish. A dangling appendage that extends from the head of the fish attracts small animals to within striking distance of the fish. Some fish, however, use a non-bioluminescent lure. A siphonophore uses red light to lure fish to its tentacles.

The cookiecutter shark uses bioluminescence for camouflage, but a small patch on its underbelly remains dark and appears as a small fish to large predatory fish like tuna and mackerel. When these fish try to consume the "small fish," they become prey for the the shark.

Dinoflagellates have an interesting twist on this mechanism. When a predator of plankton is sensed through motion in the water, the dinoflagellate luminesces. This in turn attracts even larger predators, which will consume the would-be predator of the dinoflagellate.

The attraction of mates is another proposed mechanism of bioluminescent action. This is seen actively in fireflies, who use periodic flashing in their abdomens to attract mates in the mating season. In the marine environment this has only been well-documented in certain small crustaceans called ostracods. It has been suggested that pheromones may be used for long-distance communication, and bioluminescent used at close range to "home in" on the target.

The honey mushroom attracts insects using bioluminescence so that the insects will help disseminate the fungus' spores into the environment.

Repulsion

Certain squid and small crustaceans use bioluminescent chemical mixtures, or bioluminescent bacterial slurries in the same way as many squid use ink. A cloud of luminescence is expulsed, confusing or repelling a potential predator while the squid or crustacean escapes to safety.

Communication

Bioluminescence is thought to play a direct role in communication between bacteria. It promotes the symbiotic induction of bacteria into host species, and may play a role in colony aggregation.

Some crustaceans send out coded messages by bioluminescence to their own species when it is time to mate (Haddock et al. 2006).

Biotechnology

File:Glowing tobacco plant.jpg
"Artificial" bioluminescence induced by genetic engineering of a tobacco plant.

Bioluminescent organisms are a target for many areas of research. Luciferase systems are widely used in the field of genetic engineering as reporter genes (see picture left). Luciferase systems have also been harnessed for biomedical research using bioluminescence imaging.

Vibrio symbiosis with numerous marine invertebrates and fish, namely the Hawaiian Bobtail Squid (Euprymna scolopes) is a key model organism for symbiosis, quorum sensing, and bioluminescence.

The structure of photophores, the light producing organs in bioluminescent organisms, are being investigated by industrial designers.

Some proposed applications of engineered bioluminescence include:

  • Christmas trees that do not need lights, reducing electrical dangers
  • glowing trees to line highways to save government electricity bills
  • agricultural crops and domestic plants that luminesce when they need watering
  • new methods for detecting bacterial contamination of meats and other foods
  • bio-identifiers for escaped convicts and mental patients
  • detecting bacterial species in suspicious corpses
  • novelty pets that bioluminesce (rabbits, mice, fish etc.)

Organisms that bioluminesce

All cells produce some form of bioluminescence within the electromagnetic spectrum, but most is neither visible nor noticeable to the naked eye. Every organism's bioluminescence is unique in wavelength, duration, timing, and regularity of flashes. Below follows a list of organisms which have been observed to have visible bioluminescence.

Non-marine organisms

Fish

  • Cookie cutter shark
  • Marine hatchetfish
  • Anglerfish
  • Flashlight fish
  • Pineconefish
  • Porichthys
  • Beebe's monster
  • Gulper Eel
  • Many rattails

Marine invertebrates

Plankton and microbes

  • Dinoflagellates
  • Vibrionaceae (e.g. Vibrio fischeri, Vibrio harveyi, Vibrio phosphoreum)

References
ISBN links support NWE through referral fees

  • Haddock, S. H. D., C. M. McDougall, and J. F. Case. 2006 (created 1997). [The bioluminescence web page. University of California, Santa Barbara. Retrieved April 6, 2007.
  • Young, R. E., and R. M. Mencher. 1980. Bioluminescence in mesopelagic squid: Diel color change during counterillumination. Science 208: 1286-1288.
  • Young, R. E., and C. F. E. Roper. 1976. Bioluminescent countershading in midwater animals: Evidence from living squid. Science 191: 1046-1048.

External links


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