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bioluminescence

bioluminescence Bioluminescence is simply light created by living organisms. Probably the most commonly known example of bioluminescence by North Americans is the firefly. But over 10,000 creatures in the ocean, that's 85% of creatures 1,000 feet and below, are bioluminescent. This paper is to try to explain how and why evolution would develop bioluminescence. And how the organism weather it be plant or animal, benefits from this unique trait. There are at least six different categories of bioluminescent functions: Navigation, Defense, Communication, Camouflage, Reproduction, and to use as a trap. One of the features of biological light (bioluminescence) that makes it unique from other forms of light is that it is cold light. Unlike the light of a candle, or a light bulb, bioluminescent light is produced with very little to no heat radiation. The light is the result of a biochemical reaction in which the oxidation of a compound called "Luciferin" and the enzyme called "Luciferase". The reaction involves a substrate (D-Luciferin), combining with ATP, and oxygen which is controlled by the enzyme(Luciferase). Luciferins and Luciferase are different chemically in different organisms but they all require molecular energy (ATP) for the reaction. Then the energy excites the molecule created by combining luciferace and luciferin The result of this excitement is decay which is turned into a form of photon emission. The light, a byproduct of the chemical reaction is therefore cold light. The reaction can then be slightly altered by the light being absorbed into a florescent pigment inside the photophore (light producing organ) to change the color of the light. Most of the creatures use a blue, green, or bluish green light because that wavelength travels farthest in a deep sea environment. Also the creatures have adapted to that light so they are in effect color blind to other wavelengths like red. The family of fish known as loosejaws have learned to use that to there advantage, by producing red light that they can use to communicate in "there own language" and navigate to their prey. Without the prey ever being able to see them coming. Yellow and White light is slightly more rare and can be used on the underside of a fish's body to replace the light that it blocks out when swimming over a predator nearer to the surface. This process is called counterillumination. That way the predator cannot single it out. Examples of these is a species are Euphausia pacifica(krill), Histioteuthis heteropsis(octopus), or the hatchetfish. Some organisms constantly produce light. And when they want it turned off they have to cover it with an eyelid-like flap(flashlight fish). Others can turn it on and off when they wish. Like when they need to camouflaging themselves or require light to navigate etc. The angler fish is an example of a species that uses a lure like photophore that extends out under there mouth then when the smaller fish go to eat the bait the angler fish eats them instead. And some other kinds of fish can detach a photophore and escape into the darkness while the predator still goes after the lone photophore. So in conclusion organisms that range from microscopic single celled organisms (dinoflagellates) to one of the longest animals in the world (Praya dubia 50+ meters ) can use bioluminescence for many reasons that are all necessary for deep sea survival. Research in bioluminescence is also a promising field in science. And recently there have been many genetically altered animals like monkeys and rabbits that are bioluminescent. Scientists are also developing ways to use it to locate diseases like cancer and tuberculosis by making the diseased tissue glow. Bibliography: bibliography Burr, G.J. 1985. Chemiluminescence and Bioluminescence. Marcel Dekker, Inc. New York, U.S.A. Page 32. Patel, P.Y. 1997. Bioluminescence in scientific research. Jan 10, 1997. Http://www. Pranovp@umich.edu. Wood, M.F. and Stevens, F. 1997. The Myko web page -Fungi Photos. Jan 10, 1997. http://www.mycoweb.com/ba_index.html Haddock, S.H.D.; McDougall, C.M.; Case, J.F. (2000) "The Bioluminescence Web Page", http://lifesci.ucsb.edu/~biolum/ Franklin, J.W. 1993. Bioluminescent Creatures. IDG Books Worldwide, Inc. Chicago, IL Franklin, G.H. 1992. Bioluminescent creatures of the deep sea. IDG Books Worldwide Inc. Chicago, IL page 3,79, 82-88.

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