Bioluminescence
the production of light by living organisms.
Contemporary Examples
Plants That Glow in the Dark Spark Heated Debate Josh Dzieza August 17, 2013
Historical Examples
The Nature of Animal Light E. Newton Harvey
The Nature of Animal Light E. Newton Harvey
noun
the production of light by living organisms as a result of the oxidation of a light-producing substance (luciferin) by the enzyme luciferase: occurs in many marine organisms, insects such as the firefly, etc
n.
bioluminescence
(bī’ō-l’mə-něs’əns)
The emission of light by living organisms, such as fireflies, glowworms, and certain fish, jellyfish, plankton, fungi, and bacteria. It occurs when a pigment (usually luciferin) is oxidized without giving off heat. Although it is believed that bioluminescence is involved in animal communication, its function in many organisms has yet to be understood. Bioluminescence is a form of chemiluminescence. Compare chemiluminescence.
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