Mostly found in marine environments, this unique group of microbes known as bioluminescent bacteria can produce and emit light!
Bioluminescent Bacteria
The light produced as a result of a chemical reaction in a living organism is referred to as bioluminescence. One of these organisms is the firefly, which is probably the most well-known for this luminous ability
This chemical reaction occurs when the luciferase enzyme oxidizes the light-producing compound luciferin. The color of this light can vary depending on the arrangement of molecules in the luciferin compound.
The bacteria that have been found to possess the bioluminescent ability span the Vibrionaceae, Shewanellaceae, and Enterobacteriaceae families. Almost all bioluminescent organisms, including bacteria, reside in the ocean.
Biological Functions
The ability of organisms to possess bioluminescent qualities can be greatly beneficial to their survival, particularly in the darkness of the ocean.
While many of these bacteria can live freely, most will engage in symbiotic relationships. Some marine organisms will house these bioluminescent bacteria in "light organs", where the organism benefits from the light and the bacteria gets the nutrients it needs.
Functions and benefits of bioluminescence include:
Defense by avoiding predators...
Counterillumination to disguise shadows from predators hunting below.
Flashing lights can confuse and startle a predator.
Detachment of illuminated body parts to redirect the predator.
Offense by hunting prey...
Illuminated parts can attract curious prey.
Light can help to visualize a hunting area to detect otherwise hidden prey.
Fun Fact!
When in danger from a predator, sea cucumbers can break off their illuminated parts onto other fish nearby! This way the predator will follow the moving light on the fish, and the sea cucumber can escape into the darkness.
Additionally, bioluminescent bacteria can indicate changes in environmental conditions and pollution. It is also being studied for its potential uses in medical and gene studies. More experimentally, these bacteria could be useful substitutes for reducing electricity usage in lighting public roadways and cities.
References
Deep Ocean Education Project. (n.d.). Bioluminescence. https://deepoceaneducation.org/resources/bioluminescence-fact-sheet/
Lin, L. Y., & Meighen, E. A. (n.d.) Bacterial Bioluminescence. http://photobiology.info/Lin.html
National Geographic. (n.d). Bioluminescence. https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/bioluminescence/
Tanet, L., Martini, S., Casalot, L., and Tamburini, C. (2020). Reviews and syntheses: Bacterial bioluminescence – ecology and impact in the biological carbon pump. Biogeosciences, 17(14) 3757–3778, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-17-3757-2020
Σχόλια