Why is Bioluminescence used? Why Bioluminescence is important?

Production and emission of light by a living organism is called Bioluminescence. Bioluminescence is found in a wide range of organisms, including vertebrates and invertebrates. Bioluminescent organisms have luminescent bacteria that are capable of producing light by chemical reactions (this is the reason bioluminescence is considered to be a form of chemiluminescence). Two molecules are produced by the organisms, luciferin (a pigment) and luciferase (an enzyme). Chemiluminescence can occur both within as well as outside the cell.

Different organisms use bioluminescence in different ways; few uses are listed below –

• Bioluminescence widely occurs in marine vertebrates and invertebrates. They use bioluminescence to lure prey or search for prey. Fishes like the anglerfish is a predator which uses bioluminescence to lure its prey.
• Viperfish has a long dorsal spine that is tipped with a photophore (where bioluminescence occurs). Like the Anglerfish, Viperfish also uses bioluminescence to lure prey. Viperfish further uses bioluminescence for camouflaging from its predators. Bioluminescence is also used by the Viperfish to attract mates.
• Above the water on ground bioluminescence is used by the adult fireflies also called lightning bugs to attract mates.

After understanding how organisms have been using bioluminescence to their advantage, let’s look at its importance as well. Bioluminescence plays a vital role in the survival of the deep sea animals. With the fainting light which is filtered from the top of the sea, bioluminescence helps marine organisms to blend easily with the surface of the seabed. This helps them in concealing from the predators which are generally above them.

Fishes like the viperfish leave themselves motionless and then use bioluminescence to remain safe from the predators. At the same time, bioluminescence helps them in attracting small fishes towards them. They have a hinged shaped head which they can move upwards when required. As soon as a small fish gets attracted due to bioluminescence and comes close enough to the fish they attack them.

Squid is another marine organism which uses bioluminescence wisely. The luminescent bacteria reside in the mantle cavity of the squid. Squid uses this for self-defense in the deep sea. It is believed that squid confuses and frightens the organisms trying to attack it by releasing black colored ink.

There have been a lot of researchers related to bioluminescence. The most important one is where the scientists have tried to produce a glowing rabbit. Scientists have yet to discover a lot about the chemicals which synthesis and emit light. It is believed that understanding the reaction more, could open new doors in medical science and it is thought that bioluminescence would be capable of curing diseases as big as AIDS. However, these studies are yet to be completed as bioluminescence is majorly present in the marine organisms which live in deep seas. These animals are very difficult to be found. Apart from that as their natural habitat has low temperatures and high water pressures; they don’t survive longer when captivated.