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What Is Bioluminescence?

BiologyOcean

Quick Answer

Bioluminescence is the production of light by living organisms through a chemical reaction involving the molecule luciferin.

The Full Story

Bioluminescence occurs when an enzyme called luciferase catalyses the oxidation of a light-emitting molecule called luciferin, producing photons with very little heat. This "cold light" has evolved independently at least 40 times across the tree of life. Fireflies use it to attract mates, deep-sea anglerfish lure prey with glowing appendages, and some squid squirt luminous ink to confuse predators. In the ocean, bioluminescence is the most common form of communication: an estimated 76% of deep-sea creatures produce their own light.

Key Facts

1.The colour of bioluminescence varies by species: green-yellow in fireflies, blue in most marine organisms, and occasionally red.
2.Dinoflagellates (tiny marine plankton) produce the glowing blue waves seen on some beaches at night.
3.The deep-sea dragonfish is one of the only animals that produces red bioluminescence, giving it a private spotlight invisible to most prey.

YouTube Angle

Suggested video title for this topic:

"Bioluminescence — Why Some Creatures Glow in the Dark"