An Introduction to Bioluminescence

Published: October 5, 2024

Bioluminescence, the phenomenon of when organisms produce and release light, is among the most intriguing phenomena in nature. It can be found in many organisms, including fish and jellyfish, bacteria, fungi, and aquatic creatures. Organisms can use bioluminescence to attract partners, as a defense mechanism, to communicate, and to camouflage. 

The chemical process occurs when the enzyme luciferase and the light-emitting substance luciferin are the main components of this chemically based process. It differs from typical combustion in that light is produced rather than heat when luciferin and oxygen react in the presence of luciferase.

Examples of Bioluminescence in Nature

Marine Bioluminescence

Many examples can be found all over nature, but the ocean biome is known for harboring organisms that yield this characteristic. A specific example is dinoflagellates. Dinoflagellates are a type of plankton that can be seen “sparkling” at night. This sparkling characteristic is bioluminescence at work. Their ability to emit light is triggered when dinoflagellates are disturbed by waves or movements within the water. Other marine examples include jellyfish and anglerfish. 

Terrestrial Bioluminescence

Not only can organisms exhibit bioluminescence in underwater climates but also on land. An example is fireflies. Fireflies emit light in a certain rhythm to attract partners. 

Conclusion 

Bioluminescence is a remarkable natural phenomenon where organisms emit light to survive and thrive in their ecological habitats. Using bioluminescence, organisms can attract partners, camouflage from the prey, as a defense mechanism, or communicate.

Sources:

“Bioluminescence - an Overview | ScienceDirect Topics.” Sciencedirect.com, 2014, www.sciencedirect.com/topics/earth-and-planetary-sciences/bioluminescence.

“Bioluminescence Explained | Lights of the Deep Sea.” Natural World Facts, 2024, www.naturalworldfacts.com/bioluminescence-explained#google_vignette. Accessed 21 Sept. 2024.

“Dinoflagellate - an Overview | ScienceDirect Topics.” Www.sciencedirect.com, www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/dinoflagellate.

Magazine, Hakai. “The Secret History of Bioluminescence.” Hakai Magazine, 10 May 2016, hakaimagazine.com/features/secret-history-bioluminescence/.

National Geographic. “Bioluminescence | National Geographic Society.” Education.nationalgeographic.org, 3 Aug. 2022,

education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/bioluminescence/.

US Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. “What Is Bioluminescence?” Oceanservice.noaa.gov, 20 Jan. 2023, oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/biolum.html#:~:text=Bioluminescence%20is%20the%20production%20and.