Real-World Biology: Analysis
CHAPTER 8 Bioluminescence and Behavior
You have probably enjoyed the blinking lights of fireflies on a summer evening. Fireflies are not the only species that can glow in the dark. Glowing in the dark is common in species that live in the oceans. Some species contain body cells that produce light. Other species contain bacteria that produce light. The process by which organisms produce light is called bioluminescence.
Scientists study bioluminescent organisms for a variety of reasons. Marine biologists study bioluminescent species to understand marine populations, ecosystems, and evolutionary relationships. Other scientists study bioluminescence to develop technological uses, such as screening for medical conditions, detecting organic pollutants in lakes and rivers, and testing for contamination in the food and drug industry.
In this activity, you will explore the chemistry of bioluminescence and write a hypothesis about bioluminescence and animal behavior.
Part A: Producing Light
Researchers interested in bioluminescence conducted a series of experiments to study several species that are able to produce their own light. Figure 1 shows the conclusions the researchers formed in four of the experiments.
As the researchers worked, it became clear that an additional substance is essential for the chemical reaction that produces bioluminescent light. Figure 2 shows data collected in a fifth experiment in which the scientists explored the role of ATP (adenosine triphosphate). ATP is present in every cell of every living organism and supplies the energy needed for many metabolic processes.
Experiment 1: All bioluminescent organisms contain two substances: luciferin and an enzyme called luciferase. Bioluminescence occurs only if both are present.
Experiment 2: The chemical compositions of luciferin and luciferase can vary from one species to another.
Experiment 3: The color of light produced varies among species and from one individual to another within a species.
Experiment 4: Bioluminescence does not occur in the absence of oxygen.
Figure 1
Analyze and Conclude
Respond to each question and statement.
1. Identify Based on the information in Figure 1, what three substances are needed for bioluminescence to occur?
2. Hypothesize about the cause of the variance in color of the bioluminescent light produced.
3. Conclude From the data in Figure 2, what conclusion can you draw about the relationship between ATP and bioluminescence?