MEA 449 - Bioluminescence

Bioluminescence

the production of light by means of a chemical reaction in an organism

Bioluminescence is present in ____% of all meso & bathypelagic organisms

90

Luciferin-luciferase system

chemical reaction that produces light that requires O2.

reaction takes place in photocytes or photophores

Photoproteins

proteins are produced, make like when excited

can be brief or continuous

Extracellular bioluminesscence

-glands/ PHOTOPROTEINS

-crustaceans, squids, medusae

Intracelluar (photocytes/photophores)

-photocystes/photophores / LUCIFERASE

under control of nervous system

-can use lenses, shutters, color filters, refelctors

examples:

-squid, ctenophores, dinos

Intracellular (symbiotic photobacteria)

Continuous light with shutters evolved to control emission

Located in special sacs or organs

Bacteria nourished from the blood supply, fish gains light

(Mostly fish, Few Squid)

How are symbiotic systems started in young fish?

fecal pellets

Biological reasons & function of bioluminescence (theories)

1. lure (angler fish)

2. vision (flashlight fish)

3. Species recognition & schooling (euphausiids, firefly squid)

4. Startling / confusing predators (squids, medusae)

5. Burglar Alarm (dinos, copepods)

6. Aposomatic/Warning (Dinos)

7. Camouflage (Squid, fish and shrimp)