Examples of Bioluminescence in Nature and Their Purpose
In this article, you will become familiar with bioluminescence meaning, its uses and also about the animals that light up because of the phenomenon.
It will help you to understand why the phenomenon occurs and will further help to relate it with other associated concepts with greater ease.
On that note, let’s proceed to uncover the bioluminescence meaning!
What is Bioluminescence?
Bioluminescence definition can be described as the natural phenomenon wherein certain living organisms light up because of certain chemical reactions. As a result, the chemical energy readily changes into light energy.
It is noteworthy that the occurrence of bioluminescence in land and freshwater is quite rare when compared to its appearance in oceans. As much as 90% of animals harbouring in the deep ocean are luminescent.
Furthermore, bioluminescent animals on land tend to emit light in blue-green hues or shades belonging to the yellow spectrum. On the other hand, the marine organisms emit light which has a blue-green glow.
Test Your Knowledge: Define bioluminescent and provide suitable examples.
Mechanism of Bioluminescence
A chemical reaction in the body of certain organisms leads to bioluminescence. It is noteworthy that the said reaction involves a particular class of chemicals known as luciferins or light-bringers.
This luciferin oxidises in the presence of the catalytic enzyme called luciferase and emits light and oxyluciferin, which is an ineffective compound.
Notably, there is a reaction between a substrate and an enzyme, but different bioluminescent species may use different chemicals for it.
[Image: Mechanism of Bioluminescence]
Uses of Bioluminescence
These are how organisms use their luminescence –
To attract or find prey.
For defence.
To attract mates.
As a means of communication.
As a response to change in the environment.
Though there are several uses of bioluminescence, it has some shortcomings as well. For instance, bioluminescent organisms often scare their prey away instead of drawing them in.
Application of Bioluminescence
Here is how human beings use bioluminescence for their benefit.
It serves as a tool for researchers.
It is used extensively as a work of art employed by artists to create lines or make exhibits in petri dishes.
For monitoring the environment.
To assess toxicity.
It is used in the field of biology and medicine.
To conduct remedial investigations.
As a means of field method.
For light production.
As a tool in marine ecosystems
There are several types of bioluminescence which are hard to find or observe under light. As a result, researchers are still unable to collect their samples for research and to find out how useful they can prove.
Bioluminescent Creatures
This phenomenon is noticed in several organisms, including worms, mushrooms, and fungi. These are some of the most common examples of bioluminescent organisms.
Examples of Bioluminescent Organisms
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FAQs on What Is Bioluminescence? Meaning, Mechanism & Applications
1. What is bioluminescence in simple terms?
Bioluminescence is the natural ability of a living organism to produce and emit its own light. This phenomenon occurs due to a specific chemical reaction where chemical energy is converted into light energy, often referred to as 'cold light' because it generates very little heat.
2. What is the chemical mechanism that causes bioluminescence?
The fundamental mechanism of bioluminescence involves two key chemical components: a light-emitting substrate called luciferin and an enzyme called luciferase. The luciferase enzyme acts as a catalyst for the oxidation of luciferin. This reaction creates an unstable, high-energy intermediate molecule that decays and releases its excess energy in the form of visible light.
3. Which animal phylum, as mentioned in the CBSE syllabus, is characterised by bioluminescence?
In the animal kingdom, the phylum Ctenophora, commonly known as comb jellies or sea walnuts, is well-known for its property of bioluminescence. This ability to emit light is a distinctive and prominent feature of most ctenophores, such as Pleurobrachia.
4. What are some diverse examples of bioluminescent organisms?
Bioluminescence is found across various groups of organisms. Some notable examples include:
- Insects: Fireflies use light for mating signals.
- Marine Vertebrates: Deep-sea fish like the Anglerfish use a glowing lure to attract prey.
- Marine Invertebrates: Jellyfish, squid, and crustaceans use light for defence and communication.
- Fungi: Certain species of mushrooms glow in the dark to attract insects that help spread their spores.
- Microorganisms: Dinoflagellates in the ocean can cause the water to sparkle at night when disturbed.
5. What are the primary functions of bioluminescence for an organism?
Organisms use bioluminescence for several critical survival functions, including:
- Defence: To startle or confuse predators, or for camouflage through counter-illumination.
- Offence: To lure and attract unsuspecting prey.
- Mating: To find and attract potential mates, as seen in fireflies.
- Communication: To signal and interact with other members of the same species.
6. How is bioluminescence different from fluorescence?
The key difference lies in the source of energy. Bioluminescence is a chemically-produced light originating from a reaction within the organism itself. In contrast, fluorescence is the emission of light by a substance that has absorbed light or other electromagnetic radiation from an external source. An organism must be illuminated by an external light source to fluoresce, whereas a bioluminescent organism creates its own light.
7. Why is bioluminescence more commonly observed in marine environments than on land?
Bioluminescence is more prevalent in the ocean, especially the deep sea, because sunlight cannot penetrate these depths. In the constant darkness of the aphotic zone, producing light provides a significant evolutionary advantage for vital activities like hunting, defence, and finding mates. On land, the abundance of sunlight during the day and moonlight at night makes self-generated light less essential for the survival of most species.
8. What are some modern scientific applications of bioluminescence?
The principles of bioluminescence have been harnessed for numerous scientific and biomedical applications. The genes for luciferase are widely used as reporter genes in genetic engineering to monitor gene expression and cellular activity. This technology helps researchers track the progression of diseases like cancer, screen for new drugs, and detect bacteria or toxins in environmental samples.
