DELHI PUBLIC SCHOOL RUBY PARK, KOLKATA

BIOLUMINESCENCE IN FLORA AND FAUNA AND ITS UTILITY

NAME- SOHAM CHAKRAVORTY

CLASS- 12
ROLL NUMBER-
SECTION- C
INDEX
CERTIFICATE

This is to certify that Soham Chakravorty, a student of Delhi

Public School, Ruby Park, Kolkata, Class XII has successfully
completed his Biology Project during the year 2023-24 as per
CBSE guidelines for the AISSCE Practical Examination 2024

It is further certified that this project is the individual work of

the candidate

Internal examiner External examiner

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I express my sincere gratitude towards my Biology teacher

Mrs. Nilanjana Saha who had given us the opportunity and
space to explore new avenues for the Chemistry project.

I would also like to express my gratitude towards our

Principal, Mrs. Jyoti Chaudhuri, Delhi Public School, Ruby Park
for the encouragement and facilities that she provided us
with.
INTRODUCTION

What is Biolumescence?
Bioluminescence is a naturally occurring phenomenon wherein an
organism generates and emits light through a chemical reaction that
converts chemical energy into light energy. The luminescent glow emitted
by fireflies on a summer night is a result of a chemical reaction taking
place in their glowing abdomens. Bioluminescence is triggered by a
chemoluminescence reaction, wherein the enzyme luciferase catalyzes
the pigment luciferin. Energy is typically consumed during these
reactions, which can occur either inside or outside the cell. Many
organisms produce luciferase to enhance the reaction rate. In some
organisms, luciferin binds with oxygen in a photoprotein, causing it to
illuminate when certain ions are present.
MECHANISM OF BIOLUMINESCENCE
The process of bioluminescence involves the luciferin-luciferase system, a
biochemical pathway present in various organisms that utilize
bioluminescence to generate light. This pathway relies on the interaction
between luciferin, a small molecule, and luciferase, an enzyme, to
facilitate light production. Activation of the luciferin-luciferase system
occurs when luciferase converts luciferin into oxyluciferin. Subsequently,
oxyluciferin reacts with oxygen, leading to the emission of light. This light
emission is a consequence of a chemiluminescent reaction, wherein light
is produced as a result of a chemical reaction.

What is Luciferin?
Luciferin, the substance responsible for emitting light, serves as the
primary compound in this process. Within a chemical reaction, luciferin is
referred to as the substrate. The distinct bioluminescent hues, such as the
yellow seen in fireflies and the greenish shade observed in dragonfish, are
a direct outcome of the organization of luciferin molecules. Certain
bioluminescent organisms possess the ability to independently produce
or synthesize luciferin.
Examples of Bioluminescent Organisms
Organisms that emit light due to a natural chemical reaction are said to
be bioluminescent. This light is usually blue or green and can be seen in
the ocean, on fireflies, and in some deep-sea creatures. The chemical
luciferin is responsible for the light in bioluminescent organisms. When
luciferin is combined with oxygen and a catalyst, such as the enzyme
luciferase, it produces light. There are many different types of
bioluminescent organisms, and each one has a slightly different way of
producing light. Some organisms, such as fireflies, have light-producing
cells called luciferase. These cells contain the luciferin and oxygen needed
to create light. Other organisms, such as deep-sea creatures, have light-
producing organs called photophores. Photophores are often found on
the creature’s underside and contain a chemical called luciferin-luciferase.
When this chemical is combined, light is produced.

Dragonfish- Idiacanthus atlanticus, commonly known as the Dragonfish,

is a unique species of fish that lacks scales and has a rather intimidating
appearance. These creatures are typically found dwelling in the depths of
the ocean and possess remarkable organs called photophores, which have
the ability to emit light. While smaller photophores are scattered along
their body, larger ones are situated beneath their eyes, forming a dangling
structure known as a barbel. In addition to emitting the conventional
blue-green light, Dragonfish are also capable of producing red light, which
aids them in locating their prey in the darkness of the deep sea.
Dinoflagellates- commonly referred to as fire algae, are a type of single-
celled algae that can be found in both freshwater and marine ecosystems.
These organisms have the ability to produce light through a chemical
compound, resulting in bioluminescence. This phenomenon is triggered
when dinoflagellates come into contact with various stimuli such as
objects, other organisms, or even water movement caused by waves.
Additionally, a decrease in temperature can also cause them to emit light.
The purpose of this bioluminescent display is to serve as a defense
mechanism against predators. When illuminated, these dinoflagellates
emit a vibrant blue glow.

Fireflies- Fireflies have light-generating structures in their abdomens,

which produce light through a chemical reaction between luciferin and
oxygen in the presence of ATP. The enzyme luciferase is responsible for
this bioluminescence. This light serves various purposes, such as
attracting mates and prey in adult fireflies. The flashing light pattern helps
identify members of the same species and distinguish between male and
female fireflies. In the larval stage, fireflies use their light as a warning to
predators, indicating their toxicity and deterring consumption.
Additionally, some fireflies can synchronize their light emission in a
process known as simultaneous bioluminescence.
Glow worms- Glow worms, despite their name, are not actually worms.
Rather, they are the larvae of various groups of adult females or insects
that bear a resemblance to larvae. The adult forms of these glow worms
lack wings, but instead have structures on their abdomen and thorax that
emit light. Through the process of bioluminescence, they are able to
attract mates and lure prey, such as bugs. These glow worms hang
suspended from long, sticky fibers that they produce, which ensnare their
prey. Additionally, they emit a toxic light as a warning to potential
predators.
Classification of various biochemical reactions shown by
Bioluminescent Organisms:-
TYPES OF REACTIONS EXAMPLES

LH2 + O2  Light Cypridina (Mollusc)

Pre-Lh2LH2+O2Light Photinus (Firefly)

L+NADPHLH2+O2Light Bacteria and Fungi

LH2 + H202Light Balanoglossus (Prochordata)

P + CalciumLight Aequorea (Jellyfish)

Chemistry Behind Bioluminescence

1. In order for this reaction to occur, a chemical named "Luciferin", which

emits light, is required.

2. First, luciferin bind with an enzyme "luciferase". This enzyme acts as a

catalyst to speed up the reaction.

3. Then, oxygen is needed to oxidize the reaction.

4. As a result of this chemical reaction, energy is released in a form of light

due to energy from the excitation of the electrons in the ions. The
photons of visible light produced is about 50 kcal.
USES OF BIOLUMINESCENCE IN ORGANISMS

1.) As a sign of danger: Several species of dino-flagellates exhibit their

capacity to emit light exclusively when they are under attack from
other organisms. This luminescence emitted from their bodies
serves as a defense mechanism, deterring other marine creatures
from disturbing them.

2.) For distraction: In order to divert their predators, specific types of

squid and small crustaceans employ bioluminescent chemical
combinations or bacterial mixtures, similar to how numerous squid
utilize ink.

3.) Attracting mates: The attraction of mates is seen actively in fireflies

as well as in ostracods, which use periodic flashing in their
abdomens to attract mates in the mating season. Pheromones may
be used for long-distance communication among individuals of a
species.

4.) Communication: Communication plays a role in the regulation of

luminesence in many species of bacteria and also in fireflies. Using
small extracellularly secreted molecules, they turn on genes for light
production only at high cell densities.

5.) Other Bioluminescence: Other organisms can luminescence when

they are disturbed

Changes in environment such as drop in salinity as force

Bioluminescent algae to grow, these living lanterns can be seen as
spots of pink or green in the dark ocean.
APPLICATIONS OF BIOLUMINESCENCE

The application of Bioluminescence is vast and varied. Some of the

most common applications include:
 Bioluminescence markers are used in research to track the movement
of certain cells or organisms.

 Bioluminescence is often used as a tool for measuring environmental

pollutants.

 Bioluminescent bacteria are sometimes used to detect leaks in

pipelines or other underwater infrastructure.

 Some species of fireflies are used in traditional medicine.

 Bioluminescent organisms are also used as a food additive in some

countries.

 Bioluminescence imaging include the labeling of cells, viruses, and

bacteria, diagnosis and treatment of various diseases, assessment of
protein-protein interactions, as well as studying gene expression
SURVEY WITH BIOLOGIST
CONCLUSION

Luciferin initiates Bioluminescence in different

organisms.
Mechanisms of luciferin biosynthesis are almost entirely
unknown
 Although bioluminescence is common, there are still
many unknown aspects of this phenomenon to be
discovered.
 Animals have lots of methods for producing and using
light, in ways like attracting a mate, attracting prey,
deterring predators, and in hunting and with that humans
are beginning to understand the significance of
bioluminescence
 Scientists have only begun to further discover and
implement useful tools that can be used in curing and
tracing the path of disease, in analyzing cellular dynamics,
and to continue to improve the inexplicable quality of
human life.
BIBLIOGRAPHY

NCERT TEXTBOOK
OSWAL TEXTBOOK (2023-24)
BIOLOGY LAB MANUAL
S CHAND’S BIOLOGY TEXTBOOK