By: Selisha M. CherryBio 425

April 19, 2011

AgendaDefinition of bioluminescenceResearch Goals Adaptations

Attraction/RepulsionReproductionAvoid Predation

Future Research

DefinitionBioluminescence - light emission from living organisms based upon a chemiluminescent reaction which is catalysed by a specific enzyme.

Research GoalsWhere/When did bioluminescence

originate from in marine life?What adaptations have come from

the evolution of bioluminescence?What does research show about

bioluminescence?

Origination of Marine Bioluminescence

Where/When did bioluminescence originate from in marine life?

50 A.D.

Pliny the Elder

1754 Godeheu de RivilleFirst description of phosphorescent ostracods (crustaceans).

1885 French physiologist Raphael Dubois

1922 E. Newton Harvey

Adaptations for bioluminescenceBioluminescence is used to aid organisms

with the three essential aspects of life:Find FoodReproductionAvoid Predation

Adaptations for bioluminescenceAttract Food

Bioluminescence is used as a lure to attract prey by several deep sea fish

Adaptations for bioluminescenceReproduction

Adaptations for bioluminescenceAvoid Predation

Research study

ResearchDifferent luciferins

for different organisms.

Research

Future ResearchThe common ancestry of bioluminescent

organisms is unknown. Current research in this field hopes to yield the answer to this question, unlocking one of the greatest scientific mysteries of modern time.

New avenues focused on chemistryAnti-bacteria agentsCancer fighting agentsTesting for the presence of life on MarsDetecting pollutants in our waters

References Brejc, K. et al. (1997) Structural basis for the dual excitation and photoisomerization of the Aequorea

victoria green ßuorescent protein. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, USA 94, 2306.

Dubuisson, M., Marchand, C. and J.F. Rees. 2004. Firefly luciferin as antioxidant and light emitter: the evolution of insect bioluminescence. Luminescence 19: 339-344.

E A Meighen, 1991. Molecular biology of bacterial bioluminescence. Microbiol. Mol. Biol. Rev., 55: 123-142

Haddock, Steven H.D. (2010) Bioluminescence in the Sea. Annual Review of Marine Science 2(1)

Hastings, J. W. 1976. Bioluminescence. Oceanus. 19 17-27.

Herring, Peter J. (1987) Systematic distribution of bioluminescence in living organisms. Journal of Bioluminescence and Chemiluminescence 1(3)

Herring , P.J. (1987) Systematic distribution of bioluminescence in living organisms. Journal of Bioluminescence and Chemiluminescence 1, 147.Ð163.

Jones D. W., 2004. Bioluminescence. Retreived from: http://www.ridgenet.net/~do_while/sage/v14i12f.htm on April 3, 2010.

Moline, Mark A. (2007) Bioluminescence in a complex coastal environment:Temporal dynamics of nighttime water-leaving radiance. Journal of Geophysical Research 112(c11)

Prosser, J. I. (1996) Luminescence-Based Systems for Detection of Bacteria in the Environment. Critical Reviews in Biotechnology 16(2)

http://www.cosee-west.org/files/coseewest/05BioscienceENWidder.pdf

Questions?