What is Bioluminescence?
(alternate title: What is that and why is it GLOWING?!)
First up: What does bioluminescent MEAN?
Bioluminescence is also what scientists call COLD LIGHT. This is because less than 20% of the light created makes heat. You know when you turn on a light bulb and it gets really hot to touch? Bioluminescence ISN'T like that. This light is different, because it doesn't create nearly as much heat! It's pretty much a chemical marvel.
Speaking of chemistry...
Buckle up, here comes some science.
- luciferin (a pigment)
- luciferase (an enzyme)
- a bit of oxygen
In a nutshell, when oxygen joins the party, luciferase reacts with luciferin, and produces the LIGHT we see. Organisms do make different forms of these chemicals, but generally the reaction stays the same!
Annnd, you lost me.
Think of it like this. When you pour root beer on top of ice cream, you get that delicious, foamy stuff on top. In the case of bioluminescence, the root beer is the luciferase, the ice cream is luciferin, and the LIGHT is the foamy goodness that's created!
Random Bio Factoid
Who has this magical superpower?
Tomopteris
Deep sea lobate
Firefly squid
BUT WAIT. They're not just in the sea...
Light on Land
Foxfire fungus
Mycena chlorophos
Lampyris noctiluca
Okay. But what's the POINT of glowing?
Tell me more tell me more...
Some ways animals use their light:
- anglerfish use it as a LURE, to get unsuspecting fish to swim closer
- cookiecutter sharks use light on their stomachs to CAMOUFLAGE themselves from below, so they look like innocent tiny fish instead of the sneaky sharks they are
- fireflies use light to ATTRACT mates (who doesn't love the whole 'nightclub' look?)
- Some crustaceans and bacteria use light to COMMUNICATE to their buddies
- Millipedes use light as a WARNING, telling other creatures to leave them alone
Glossary of Nerdy Words:
Camouflage: colors or patterns that help an animal blend in with its surroundings
"Tiger stripes are great camouflage for the forests of India."
Terrestrial: living on land
"Foxes are terrestrial animals, making their homes in burrows."
"Butterflies, jellyfish, and humans are all examples of living organisms."
About Jess
To check out my books:
- HOW TO OUTRUN A CROCODILE WHEN YOUR SHOES ARE UNTIED, from Sourcebooks Jabberwocky
- PINK IS FOR BLOBFISH, from Knopf
You can also find out more info here on GOODREADS!
Email: jesskeatingbooks@gmail.com
Website: www.jesskeating.com
Twitter: @Jess_Keating