I. Explanation of Bioluminescence
a. Processes sometimes confused with bioluminescence
i. Biological chemiluminescence
1. Definition – Light given off by biological processes which does not serve a purpose for that organism (Lee 392)
2. Example – Gurvich or mitogenic radiation occurs when cells divide quickly, such as onion root tip cells undergoing mitosis. (Lee 413)
ii. Iridescence
1. Definition – produced by reflection or refraction of external light source
2. Example – squid
b. Bioluminescence Background Information
i. Definition
ii. Abundance
1. Terrestrial
2. Aquatic
iii. Biological Process
1. Luciferin/Luciferase
2. Order of processes
3. Substrates for luciferin
4. Wavelengths and colors produced
iv. Evolution Theories
1. Bacterial bioluminescence arose first
2. Convergent evolution of bioluminescence in many species
3. Common Chemistry
v. Symbiotic relationships
1. Flashlight fish
2. Squid
II. Natural uses for bioluminescence
a. Attract mate – examples and explanation
b. Attract prey
i. Glowworm
ii. Angler fish
iii. Firefly
c. Aid in hunting
i. Octopus
ii. Squid
d. Camouflage – squid
e. Deter predators
i. Dinoflagellates
ii. Railroad worm
III. Synthetic uses for bioluminescence
a. Trace cellular levels of substances
i. Adenine Tri-Phosphate (ATP)
ii. Calcium
b. Water usage in growing potatoes
c. Bacteria
i. Progression of infection
ii. Effectiveness of antibiotics
d. Recombinant DNA
i. AIDS research
ii. Gene therapy
References will be posted shortly.
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