Bioluminescence: The magical light

Bioluminescence is the chemical process of organisms converting luciferin into light. (http://www.seasky.org/deep-sea/biolumiscence.html) Luciferin is converted into an inert compound known as oxyluciferin and light in a catalytic reaction in the presence of oxygen. (http://www.seasky.org/deep-sea/biolumiscence.html) The photophores of the marine organisms use the catalase luciferianse to convert luciferin into light. In marine animals, bioluminescence is typically expressed in blue to green light wavelengths as these wavelengths are the easiest to travel in water and most marine animals can recognize blue light. (http://www.seasky.org/deep-sea/biolumiscence.html) While bioluminescence is certainly a beautiful process to witness (as seen in the uploaded video), this procedure has practical purposes for the marine species that utilize bioluminescence. In the video taken from the National Geographic, it discusses how dinoflagellates use bioluminescence as an indirect form of defense. When dinoflagellates are threatened by their chief predator, shrimp, the plankton then illuminate and signal to the shrimp’s primary predator, the cuttlefish, the shrimp is present. The use of bioluminescence amongst the dinoflagellates is merely one facet of bioluminescence. Marine biologists have identified a variety of reasons why certain organisms have attained this adaptation. Some creatures use bioluminescence as a form of communication during mating season by flashing light in the dark ocean to alert potential mates. (http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2010/05/100506-bioluminescence-sea-life-embed-video/) Instead of utilizing bioluminescence in quick flashes, some animals, like the anglerfish, illuminate constantly to lure prey via a recognizable blue light. While our knowledge of deep sea creatures is limited due to the many complications and technicalities of studying organisms at that depth, we are lucky to see bioluminescence occur at more shallow depths and allow us to gain insight into the deep sea.

Another video for your enjoyment: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bCNjXaMPZxw