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Home , Marine ecosystem

Jack Prehatny

Abstract Adaptations and uses in animals Red tide events Bioluminescence and human use

Bioluminescence is the production of light by a living organism. Both The phenomena of Bioluminescence in marine organisms is an adaptation A red tide event is a phenomena where large quantities of marine Humans have discovered several uses for bioluminescence in manmade terrestrial and marine animals exhibit bioluminescence, but it is found that serves many purposes. Common functions of these mechanisms (Dinoflagellates) accumulate, forming what’s known as machines, tools, and medical procedures. One such example would be the more commonly in marine animals. Bioluminescence can be observed in include , elusion, and attracting a mate. Certain adaptations allow an , which is a reddish-brown in color. The rapid accumulation implementation of bioluminescence as a means of medical imaging. This several different phyla of marine organisms, many of which exist in the for different organisms to serve a function more efficiently. An example of of these Dinoflagellates result in heavy surface water coloration and process, called “Bioluminescent imaging” permits noninvasive imaging pelagic and benthic zones of the . The light these organisms produce a defensive adaptation would be that of a squid, which uses its flashing toxification of the surrounding . These events are associated of internal biological functions, which may be used to gather a greater is synthesized rather than just a reflection or absorption of natural light, lights to disorient predators while it makes its escape. Another defensive with the term “Harmful Algae Bloom” since they pose a threat to marine understanding of diseases as well as the effect of treatments for these and serves many functions. Bioluminescence and its causes have been tactic that many use is called counter illumination. Many organism, the marine , and humans. Densely packed, these groups diseases on these biological functions. shrouded in mystery throughout history, with many accounts being linked fall victim to predators who hunt from below their prey, but with counter of microorganisms also deoxygenize the affected water, resulting in to paranormal activity. Today, scientists have a greater understanding of the illumination, many of these fish are actually safe. Bioluminescent organs levels so low that fish and other die. Red tides occur function, and it is even used in some medical tools and procedures today. It are positioned downwards, and mimic the light levels that strike the most frequently between the months of April and August in warmer water is likely that bioluminescence will continue to be used by humans in topside of these fish, thus creating a transparent effect that helps where there is plenty of sunlight. Although there are many harmful effects several practices in the future. them in these pelagic zones. Another method used mainly by of these algal blooms, there are also benefits for marine ecology. These starfish is a diversion tactic in which the starfish will detach a glowing organisms contribute to a high level of in the Carbon-Dioxide- limb to draw predators away to make an escape. cucumbers also use Oxygen cycle. Carbon-Dioxide from the atmosphere diffuses into the the diversion tactic by attempting to attach their glowing particles and water where it is converted into oxygen by these , which detachable parts to nearby fish which act as a lure for predators. then diffuses back out into the atmosphere. Chemistry

The light in Bioluminescence is created through a chemical reaction that utilizes the light producing organic molecule luciferin, and the catalyst luciferase. Fish, bacteria, and dinoflagellates use luciferase to catalyze the oxidation of luciferin. Oxygen reacts with the luciferin to create Fig.8, GFP is used to “tag” cancer cells in an MRI. “oxyluciferin” which emits light energy. Luciferin is mainly introduced into the system via diet, or is produced via internal synthesis. Special tools have been created that utilize bioluminescence in a plethora of ways. One particular tool, known as a BioScan, can detect varying levels of ATP in certain elements, which is essential in the production of Fig.3, Bioluminescent smoke being used as a defense mechanism. Fig.5, Accumulations of Dinoflagellates form red tides light. The use for this particular tool is to detect contaminations in water, and ATP is an indicator for bacteria.

There are also many predatory adaptations for bioluminescence, At night, the of these Dinoflagellates and other Green Fluorescent Protein – (GFP), is used in cloning procedures for particularly in benthic fish. One such example exists in Anglerfish, which microorganisms can cause a Bioluminescent glow. Different types of conceivable plants and animals in labs everywhere. This protein can be have a long rod-like structure on their head, known as a filament. These luminescence can be linked to different types of microorganisms. In most implemented into organisms to observe the creation and transport of other proteins. Once the GFP gene is joined with those of other proteins, medical Fig.1, Luciferase catalyzes the oxidation of Luciferin fish light up the tips of these filaments which act as a lure for curious and cases, Dinoflagellates are accompanied by such as diatoms, unsuspecting prey. Other fish have the ability to create different colored which cause a bright fluorescent glow. Dinoflagellates accompanied by equipment can be used to find the GDP distinct green luminescence and light to give them an advantage while hunting for prey. These fish use red non-photosynthesizing produce a dimmer glow. track it. Today, it is commonly referred to as a “Biomarker”. light, which many fish at the benthic level cannot detect because the Other marine animals, such as shrimp, cnidarians, and ctenophores use a wavelength of red light is the longest, and thus permeates water the least. similar process that is slightly altered. Instead of catalyzing the oxidation Many fish are not adapted to see using red light, which is why these of luciferin, luciferase is bound to both oxygen as well as luciferin, predatory fish can use red light to seek out prey while remaining forming a “photoprotein”. Chemical ions such as calcium and potassium undetected. Is has been suggested that a select few organisms mimic the References cited are then added to the bond, creating a chemical reaction which emits light. bioluminescent pattern “mating call” to lure in prey. What’s more is that Other species have flashing lights that are exhausted after the luciferin the color of bioluminescence varies among fish and smaller organisms completes the oxidization process. throughout the marine ecosystem. In defensive and territorial cases, light “Bioluminescence”. National Geographic. Web. 7 December, 2014. frequencies of colors can be mimicked to startle predators or evict other http://education.nationalgeographic.com/education/encyclopedia/biolumin Although Bioluminescence is commonly mistaken for Phosphorescence or organisms from a desired location. escence/?ar_a=1 Fluorescence, they are entirely different processes. Fluorescent light is created by absorbing and converting light into different photons, whereas bioluminescence is a chemiluminescent process in which a chemical Fig.6, Dinoflagellates emit bioluminescence when stimulated Haddock, S.H.D., M.A. Moline, and J.F. Case. “Functions of reaction takes place to synthesize it’s own light source. Phosphorescence is Bioluminescence”. Web. 2010. http://biolum.eemb.ucsb.edu/functions.html similar to Fluorescence in that it absorbs light photons, but excites electrons in the surrounding outer shell, producing a different light effect. Milky are a phenomena where thousands of square miles worth of http://guides.library.harvard.edu/content.php?pid=419040&sid=3493509 seawater is filled with bioluminescent bacteria (Vibrio harveyi), resulting “Bioluminescence at work today”. Harvard University. Web. 14 August, in a bluish glow at night. These eerie events have been recorded 2014. throughout history and have often been associated with paranormal activity and ghost stories from sailors. From satellite images, milky seas appear Bruckner, Monica. “Red Tide- A Harmful Algal Bloom”. Montana State whitish blue in color, with the largest ever recorded being the size of the University. Web. 7 December, 2014. Fig.4, An anglerfish illuminates its filament to lure in prey. state of Connecticut. http://serc.carleton.edu/microbelife/topics/redtide/index.html

Litteral, Linda. “Bioluminescence in marine animals”. Dive Training magazine. Magazine. 5 May, 2013. Bioluminescent adaptations also act as a means of communication for http://dtmag.com/Stories/Ocean%20Science/01-98-ecoseas.htm mating purposes. on the sides and bottoms of many pelagic and benthic fish help serve as a distinction from other bioluminescent creatures, particularly when there are unique patterns on the head and tail. J.W. Hastings. “Chemistry of Bioluminescence”. University of Santa These lighting patterns can be used for specified tasks such as mating Barbara. 24 November, 2014. Web. http://biolum.eemb.ucsb.edu/chem/ Fig.2, Bioluminescence is created through chemical excitation whereas “calls” and signals. Furthermore, many of these fish have adapted to detect Fluorescence uses excited light energy to absorb and emit photons. certain colors in bioluminescence to distinguish from predators, prey, and “What is Bioluminescence?”. National Ocean and Atmospheric mates. Lanternfish are adapted to view blue-green light, while other Administration. 7 August, 2014. Web. predators have adapted to using red light as a communication distinction. http://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/biolum.html Fig.7, Satellite photo of a large “Milky Sea”.