Bioluminescence

Q.  Which of the following is/are true regarding Bioluminescence?

1) Bioluminescence is the production and emission of light by a living organism.
2) It is a form of chemiluminescence (emission of light due to chemical reaction).

- Published on 28 Mar 16

a. Only 1
b. Only 2
c. Both 1 and 2
d. Neither 1 nor 2

ANSWER: Both 1 and 2
 
  • Bioluminescence is the production and emission of light by a living organism. It is a form of chemiluminescence.
  • Bioluminescence occurs widely in marine vertebrates and invertebrates, as well as in some fungi, microorganisms including some bioluminescent bacteria and terrestrial invertebrates such as fireflies.
  • The principal chemical reaction in bioluminescence involves the light-emitting pigment luciferin and the enzyme luciferase, assisted by other proteins such as aequorin in some species.
  • The uses of bioluminescence by animals include counter-illumination camouflage, mimicry of other animals, for example to lure prey, and signalling to other individuals of the same species, such as to attract mates.
  • In the laboratory, luciferase-based systems are used in genetic engineering and for biomedical research. Other researchers are investigating the possibility of using bioluminescent systems for street and decorative lighting, and a bioluminescent plant has been created.

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