Bioluminescence: The Mystery Of Glowing Organisms

Abstract

This review paper discusses the basic concept of bioluminescence along with its molecular distribution, mechanism, and pathways. Bioluminescence is production of light due to an enzyme regulated oxidative biochemical reaction of compounds called Luciferins, few with the help of photoproteins. Luciferins are composed of 5 different chemical compounds, each individually distinct to the respective species. The pathway of light emission is due action of enzyme Luciferase. Other accessory proteins like Green fluorescent protein (GFP) in coelenterates are also responsible for bioluminescence. The emission spectrum for bioluminescence is affected by many factors and hence the color emitted varies among the species. Bioluminescence plays a major role in the life processes of many species of fireflies, cnidarians, dinoflagellates, etc. Bioluminescence possesses a range of prospects and applications, which are also highlighted in our paper.