Fascinating Bioluminescence: The Cold Light of Life
By drelayaraja, 9th Jul 2010 | Follow this author
| RSS Feed | Short URL http://nut.bz/1w0oeo89/
Posted in WikinutNewsScience
Information on the amazing power of the organisms to emit light. Most of the marine animals have the ability to emit light for various reasons. Let us explore.
Light Emission by organisms
Emission of light by a living organism is termed as bioluminescence. The light emitted is also known as cold light, because only 20% of the light produces thermal radiation.
Most marine animals emit light belonging to the blue and green spectrum, as these wavelengths can be transmitted through the marine water very easily. Some marine fished and larvae emit red and infrared light.
Non-marine organisms also emit light, which are of varied colors. Fireflies and glow worms are the best known land bioluminescent animals.
need for Bioluminescence
Why is bioluminescence needed?
The light emitted by the organisms serve a wide range of purposes.
Attraction and Hunting: many deep sea creatures, especially fishes such as the anglerfish, use the light to attract or lure the prey. Some species attract their mates by emitting light.
Repulsion and Warning: Certain squid species warn their predators by emitting light. In some cases a cloud of luminescent ink is expelled to repel the predator. This cloud of luminescent ink contains bioluminescent bacteria.
Repulsion and Warning: Certain squid species warn their predators by emitting light. In some cases a cloud of luminescent ink is expelled to repel the predator. This cloud of luminescent ink contains bioluminescent bacteria.
Communication and Illumination: Many species of bacteria communicate through bioluminescence. Formation of colonies is also attributed to this fact.
These bioluminescent organisms are the target of many researchers, who intend to make use of the luciferase system for human use.
Some proposed applications of engineered bioluminescence are:
· Trees to line highways to save electricity bills
· Christmas trees with own lights
· Plants that luminesce when they need watering
· Bio-identifiers for tagging
· Novelty pets like rabbit, mice, fish, prawn, etc. that emit light
© 2010 Dr.P.Elayaraja
Comments
10th Jul 2010 (#)
Interesting.
Reply to this comment
10th Jul 2010 (#)
The squid is cool!
Intriguing applications for bioluminescence, other than the pets as nite-lights. Good stuff, drelayaraja
Reply to this comment
12th Jul 2010 (#)
This is a really interesting article and the photo's are ultra cool.
Reply to this comment
26th Jul 2010 (#)
Very neat stuff. I would love to drive down a road at night with trees lighting the way.
Reply to this comment
26th Jul 2010 (#)
Bioluminescence is fascinating to me for some reason.
Reply to this comment