Andy Erickson

Sept 15, 2000

Chemical Reactions of Bioluminescence for the Purpose of Communication

Bioluminescence is light that is produced by chemical reactions in living organisms and is used by organisms to communicate. The chemical pathways are: Luciferin is oxidized by the catalyze luciferase resulting in light and an inactive oxyluciferin. In some cases the luciferin, luciferase, and oxygen are bound into a unit called a photoprotein, which is then triggered to produce light when certain ions are present. These processes are used to create bioluminescence in primarily deep ocean marine animals. On land it is most commonly found in fungus and insects. The lights of these animals are mainly used in attraction of other animals.