Summary
Light produced by luciferin and luciferase reactions in deep-sea fish, fireflies and jellyfish.
In depth
Luciferin is oxidised by luciferase, giving cold light. It is used for predator evasion (counter-illumination, decoys), attraction of prey (anglerfish lure) and mating signals (fireflies). It evolved independently dozens of times; about 75 percent of deep-sea animals produce light.
Bioluminescence needs oxygen. Colours are mostly blue-green in the sea. Symbiotic bacteria supply light in some animals.
Example: flashlight fish use bacteria in their cheeks.
Frequently asked questions
What is Bioluminescence?
Light produced by luciferin and luciferase reactions in deep-sea fish, fireflies and jellyfish.
Which area of biology covers Bioluminescence, and how advanced is it?
Bioluminescence is one of the 53 topics in Zoology & Animal Diversity. It is rated Advanced, so it suits learners who want specialist depth. Related topics in this area include Metabolic Scaling, Animal Respiration, Hibernation and Torpor.
Can you give an example of Bioluminescence?
GFP from jellyfish became a research tool.
What should I learn before Bioluminescence?
Work through the Beginner topics in Zoology & Animal Diversity first, such as Animal Kingdom, Vertebrates and Invertebrates, Sponges, then return to Bioluminescence. Advanced topics assume the Intermediate vocabulary.
What topics are related to Bioluminescence?
The closest topics to Bioluminescence are Metabolic Scaling, Animal Respiration, Hibernation and Torpor, Animal Camouflage and Mimicry. Comparing them side by side is a good way to see how the ideas connect.
How can I check that I understand Bioluminescence?
Read the summary and the in-depth section, then use the quick check on the interactive lesson for Bioluminescence. To practise the whole of Zoology & Animal Diversity, use the Zoology & Animal Diversity quiz.
How is Bioluminescence different from Metabolic Scaling?
Bioluminescence: Light produced by luciferin and luciferase reactions in deep-sea fish, fireflies and jellyfish. Metabolic Scaling: Metabolic rate scales with body mass to the three-quarter power, described by Kleiber's law. Read both side by side and note what each one explains.
How should I study Bioluminescence step by step?
First, read the summary and write the definition in your own words. Second, read the in-depth section and note any example. Third, compare it with Metabolic Scaling and explain the difference aloud. Finally, take the Zoology & Animal Diversity quiz and come back to this page for any question you miss.