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Bioluminescence is derived from both Greek and Latin words, bio meaning “live” and lumen meaning “light.” Bioluminescence is the production and emission of light from living organisms. It is a form of chemiluminescence. It was initially referred to as “animal light” in ancient Chinese poetry, but Aristotle recorded bioluminescence in detail during his study as organisms were capable of self-luminosity.

It is seen in a wide range of living things, including bacteria, fungi, insects, sea invertebrates, fish, octopuses, and other aquatic creatures. Some articles state that certain mammals like platypuses glow under UV light.

Most organisms emit light because of the chemical reaction, and a few organisms have light organs called photophores. The reaction requires the substrate (luciferin) and the enzyme (luciferase or photoprotein). The substrate is oxidized into the products in an excited state (oxyluciferin) and emits extra energy in the form of light.

Some organisms synthesize luciferin on their own. While others absorb it from others in the form of food or through symbiotic relationships. Most of the reactions involve luciferin and luciferase; if not, they are catalyzed by photoprotein.

The major reasons for the evolution of bioluminescence are

• Defensive Adaptions: Protection and Survival
• Offensive Adaptions: Food and Prey
• Attraction: Potential mates
• To spread its spores (Fungi)
• Oxygen-Neutralizing defensive mechanism

It was interesting to read that an article stated that some lower organisms, such as bacteria and fungi, may be an evolutionary holdover from periods when the Earth’s atmosphere contained little oxygen and was toxic to primitive organisms. Even after adapting to an oxygen-rich environment, bioluminescence may represent a defense mechanism that neutralizes oxygen. However, it is still unclear where most bioluminescent systems came from in terms of evolution.

Cheers!

PS: Detailed instructions for photographing sea sparkle.

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