how bioluminescence work

1. Bioluminescence
Mechanism
- Purvi Gosrani

2. Introduction
When a living organism produces and emits light as a result of a
chemical reaction, the process is known as Bioluminescence
Bio means 'living' in Greek while lumen means 'light' in Latin
During the process, chemical energy is converted into light
energy
The process is caused by an enzyme-catalyzed
chemoluminescence reaction
The light production from bioluminescence is “cold light”
emission, wherein less than 20% of the light is thermal radiation

3. How does bioluminescence work ?
Bioluminescence is a product of a chemical reaction in an organism
It involves a class of chemicals called luciferins ("light bringers“)
The luciferin oxidizes in the presence of a catalytic enzyme (luciferase) to
create light and an ineffective compound (oxyluciferin)

5. Differentorganisms shows bioluminescence
1. Bacteria
Family Vibrionaceae contains most
bioluminescent bacteria
 Typically found as symbionts with deep
sea animals
gram negative, one or more flagella
It uses bacterial luciferin for
bioluminescence
They create the phenomenon of a "milky
sea" known to sailors for centuries

6. 2. Mushroomsand other Fungi
 “Foxfire” referred to the
green glow light emitted by
wood decaying mushrooms and
other fungi
It was used as a light source
for the early wooden submarine
They use luciferin illudin for
bioluminescence, which is toxic
to ingest

7. 3. Worms
Both marine and terrestrial
worms that exhibit
bioluminescence
Earthworm luminescence is
produced by the coelomic fluid,
and ranges from blue to orange
depending on the species

8. 4. Insects
 Firefly is the most common terrestrial
bioluminescence organism
Variety of firefly species are found in
the temperate to tropical regions of the
Americas and parts of S.E. Asia

10. What is BioluminescenceUsedFor?
Bioluminescence plays an important
role in the ecology of the ocean
The function of bioluminescence in
the oceans is more clearly understood
in the context of the essentially dark
environment below about 200 m
The functions of bioluminescence
are for:
1. Defence
2. Schooling of fish
3. Feeding
4. Communication (in the dark)
5. Mating

11. Use of bioluminescencein defence
While many defensive techniques are
produced, one of the most common is the
"burglar alarm" technique
In step one, small predator is feeding on
its bioluminescent prey, when a larger
predator swims near
In step two, the prey uses its
bioluminescence to attract the larger
predator, resulting in the fleeing of the
smaller predator

12. Use of bioluminescencefor mating
There are some marine species that are
sparsely populated, limiting the net
reproduction that can occur
Bioluminescence is one mechanism that
would allow these species to increase their
"perception distances
It is believed that, the female emits a light of
a specific wavelength to attract its mate, while
avoiding the risk of being detected by a
predator