The Colors of Firefly Bioluminescence: Enzyme Configuration and Species Specificity by H
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Virtual Firefly Festival Lesson: Flash Patterns In this lesson, participants will learn the secret behind the species-specific flash patterns of fireflies and then match visual representations of the patterns with the correct species. New Jersey is home to about 19 native species of fireflies, and you can probably see quite a few of them mingling together in your neighborhood! Each species of firefly has their own unique flash pattern and color, used to communicate with potential mates and predators. There are roughly 2,000 species of fireflies worldwide! Generally, the males are the ones to fly while flashing, and the females hang out perched on grass or in trees and flash to the males. One of the most numerous fireflies, especially here in the northeast, is the common eastern firefly (Phontinus pyralis); the male can be easily seen flashing a yellow-green light as it flies upward in a J-shape. A female P. pyralis can distinguish a male of her species vs. a male Photo by Spencer Black via Science Friday Photinus consimilis which flies in a straight line and emits 4-9 rapid yellow flashes every ten seconds. That being said, the animal world is full of trickery; the female Photuris versicolor (also known as the femme fatale firefly) is an aggressive predator that mimics the flash patterns of the female Photinus pyralis to lure and eat the male P. pyralis! Along with the flash pattern, the color is important and can be used to identify species: the blue ghost firefly, Phausis reticulata, is found in southern Appalachia and the males are famous for their eerie blue light that they maintain for up to a minute as they meander a foot or two above the leaf litter, where the wingless females wait. -
William D. Mcelroy Papers
http://oac.cdlib.org/findaid/ark:/13030/kt6489r0v5 No online items William D. McElroy Papers Special Collections & Archives, UC San Diego Special Collections & Archives, UC San Diego Copyright 2005 9500 Gilman Drive La Jolla 92093-0175 [email protected] URL: http://libraries.ucsd.edu/collections/sca/index.html William D. McElroy Papers MSS 0483 1 Descriptive Summary Languages: English Contributing Institution: Special Collections & Archives, UC San Diego 9500 Gilman Drive La Jolla 92093-0175 Title: William D. McElroy Papers Identifier/Call Number: MSS 0483 Physical Description: 10.4 Linear feet(19 archives boxes, 11 oversize folders, 6 art bin items) Date (inclusive): 1944-1999 Abstract: Papers of William David McElroy (1917-1999), professor of biochemistry, the fourth chancellor (1972-1980) of the University of California, San Diego; and former director (1969-1971) of the National Science Foundation. Scope and Content of Collection Papers of William David McElroy (1917-1999), professor of biochemistry, the fourth chancellor (1972-1980) of the University of California, San Diego; and former director (1969-1971) of the National Science Foundation. McElroy's significant contributions to biology include isolating and crystallizing the compounds that enable firefly luminescence and for his subsequent research into bacterial bioluminescence. He also wrote, spoke, and worked on problems in areas of environment, pollution, food production, science education, and international science. The papers largely document McElroy's scientific research and include correspondence with the scientific community, various biographical materials including awards and photographs, his trip to China in 1979, writings and reprints related to biochemical and scientific investigation, research materials on bioluminescence, teaching materials, and speeches given both as chancellor and as director of the National Science Foundation. -
Immobilization of Firefly Luciferase on PVA-Co-PE Nanofibers Membrane
Research Article www.acsami.org Immobilization of Firefly Luciferase on PVA-co-PE Nanofibers Membrane as Biosensor for Bioluminescent Detection of ATP † † Wenwen Wang, Qinghua Zhao, Mengying Luo, Mufang Li, Dong Wang,* Yuedan Wang, and Qiongzhen Liu School of Materials Science and Engineering, Wuhan Textile University, Wuhan 430073, China ABSTRACT: The bioluminescent reaction catalyzed by firefly luciferase has become widely established as an outstanding analytical system for assay of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). When in solution, the luciferase is unstable and cannot be reused. The problem can be partially solved by immobilizing the luciferase on solid substrates. The poly(vinyl alcohol-co-ethylene) (PVA-co-PE) nanofibers membrane has abundant active hydroxyl groups on the surface. The PVA-co-PE nanofibers membrane was first activated by cyanuric chloride with triazinyl group. Then the activated PVA-co- PE nanofibers membrane was subsequently reacted with 1,3-propanediamine and biotin. The firefly luciferase was immobilized onto the surface of 1,3-propanediamine- and biotin-functionalized membranes. The surface chemical structure and morphologies of nanofibers membranes were characterized by FTIR-ATR spectra and SEM. The hydrophilicity of membranes was tested by water contact angle measurements. The detection of fluorescence intensity displayed that the firefly-luciferase-immobilized PVA-co-PE nanofibers membranes indicated high catalytic activity and efficiency. Especially, the firefly-luciferase-immobilized nanofiber membrane which was functionalized -
Safety Data Sheet
G-Biosciences, St Louis, MO, USA | 1-800-628-7730 | 1-314-991-6034 | [email protected] A Geno Technology, Inc. (USA) brand name Safety Data Sheet Cat. # RC-227 D-Luciferin Firefly, FREE ACID Size: 0.25g think proteins! think G-Biosciences! www.GBiosciences.com D-Luciferin Firefly, potassium salt Safety Data Sheet according to Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 58 / Monday, March 26, 2012 / Rules and Regulations Date of issue: 05/06/2013 Revision date: 05/11/2017 Version: 7.1 SECTION 1: Identification 1.1. Identification Product form : Substance Trade name : D-Luciferin Firefly, potassium salt CAS-No. : 2591-17-5 Product code : 006A Formula : C11H8N2O3S2 Synonyms : (4S)-4,5-dihydro-2-(6-hydroxy-2-benzothiazolyl)-4-thiazolecarboxylic acid / (S)-2-(6-hydroxy-2- benzothiazolyl)-2-thiazoline-4-carboxylic acid / (S)-4,5-dihydro-2-(6-hydroxybenzothiazol-2- yl)thiazole-4-carboxylic acid / 2-(6-hydroxy-2-benzothiazolyl)-2-thiazoline-4-carcoxylic acid, (S)- / 2-(6-hydroxybenzothiazol-2-yl)-2-thiazoline-4-carboxylic acid / 4,5-dihydro-2-(6-hydroxy-2- benzorhiazolyl)-4-thiazolecarboxylic acid, (4S)- / 4,5-dihydro-2-(6-hydroxy-2-benzothiazolyl)-4- thiazolecarboxylic acid / 4-Thiazolecarboxylic acid, 4,5-dihydro-2-(6-hydroxy-2-benzothiazolyl)-, (S)- / D-(-)-luciferin / D-luciferin / firefly luciferin / liciferin, D-(-)- / luciferin / luciferin, D- Other means of identification : D-Luciferin Firefly, free acid 4,5-Dihydro-2-(6-hydroxy-2-benzothiazolyl)-4-thiazolecarboxylic acid, ST50405784, Luciferin, CHEBI:17165 BIG No : 48631 1.2. Recommended use and restrictions on use Use of the substance/mixture : Luciferin is a common bioluminescent reporter used for in-vivo imaging of the expression of the luc marker gene . -
Photinus Pyralis, Big Dipper Firefly (Coleoptera: Lampyridae) Able Chow, Forest Huval, Chris Carlton and Gene Reagan
Photinus pyralis, Big Dipper Firefly (Coleoptera: Lampyridae) Able Chow, Forest Huval, Chris Carlton and Gene Reagan pattern and flight path, which forms a distinct J-shaped courtship flash. This flash is also the basis of the common name. Big dipper firefly larvae are small, six-legged, elongated insects with distinct body segments, each armed with a flat dorsal plate. They have small heads, short antennae and two light-producing organs on the abdomen. Species identification of larvae requires rearing them to adults. The pupae of Photinus resemble a pale white version of the adult Adult big dipper firefly in natural habitat. Lloyd, 2018, used with with the wings folded onto the sides of their bodies. permission. Description Life Cycle Adult big dipper fireflies are small, elongated beetles Fireflies undergo complete metamorphosis, with a life three-eighths to three-fifths of an inch (9 to 15mm) in cycle consisting of four developmental stages: egg, larva, length, soft in texture and densely covered by small hairs. pupa and adult. Photinus females lay small, round eggs about They have large eyes, black wing covers (elytra) with yellow one-thirtieth of an inch (0.8 mm) in diameter in moist margins and large pronota (top surface of thorax) extending crevices. The eggs glow slightly when first laid, but this fades over their heads. The color pattern on the pronotum is over time before hatching within 18 to 25 days. Larvae are variable, but the center is always pink with a black center nocturnal, solitary predators inhabiting a variety of moist dot. The light-producing organs differ between sexes. -
Lightning Bugs
GENERAL I ARTICLE Lightning Bugs B Gajendra Babu and M Kannan Bioluminescence is the phenomenon of light emission by B Gajendra Babu and living organisms. This is well exhibited in many insects, M Kannan are PhD Scholars in the Depart and best understood in fireflies. Bioluminescence is the ment of Agricultural result of chemical reactions primarily involving luciferin, Entomology, Tamil Nadu luciferase and oxygen. Luciferin is a heat-resistant sub Agricultural University, strate and the source of light; luciferase, an enzyme, is the Coimbatore. trigger, and oxygen is the fuel. Luminescing insects utilize light as a mating signal, to attract their prey, or to defend themselves from enemies. This biological phenomenon has been exploited in space and medical research, insect pest management, and is also a useful tool in biotechnology. Bioluminescence is the ability of certain animals to produce light, a phenomenon primarily seen in marine organisms. It is the predominant source of light in deep oceans. The light production is the result of chemical reactions and hence it is also called 'chemiluminescence'. Bioluminescence is exhibited by bacteria, fungi, jellyfish, insects, algae, fish, clams, snails, crus taceans, etc. Bioluminescent bacteria have been found in ma rine; coastal and terrestrial environments. Some fungi can also emit light. Luminescent fungi such as Armillaria mellea and Mycena spp. produce a continuous (non-pulsing) light in their fruiting bodies and mycelium. It is believed that biolumines cent fungi use their light to attract insects that will spread the fungal spores, thus enhancing their reproduction. Some nema todes are luminescent due to the presence of symbiotic bacteria associated with them. -
Crystal Structure of Firefly Luciferase Throws Light on a Superfamily of Adenylate-Forming Enzymes Elena Conti, Nick P Franks and Peter Brick*
Research Article 287 Crystal structure of firefly luciferase throws light on a superfamily of adenylate-forming enzymes Elena Conti, Nick P Franks and Peter Brick* Background: Firefly luciferase is a 62 kDa protein that catalyzes the production Address: Biophysics Section, Blackett Laboratory, of light. In the presence of MgATP and molecular oxygen, the enzyme oxidizes its Imperial College, London SW7 2BZ, UK. substrate, firefly luciferin, emitting yellow-green light. The reaction proceeds *Corresponding author. through activation of the substrate to form an adenylate intermediate. Firefly luciferase shows extensive sequence homology with a number of enzymes that Key words: acyl-coenzyme A ligase, adenylate, utilize ATP in adenylation reactions. firefly luciferase, peptide synthetase, X-ray crystallography Results: We have determined the crystal structure of firefly luciferase at 2.0 Å Received: 30 Nov 1995 resolution. The protein is folded into two compact domains. The large N-terminal Revisions requested: 21 Dec 1995 domain consists of a b-barrel and two b-sheets. The sheets are flanked by Revisions received: 15 Jan 1996 a-helices to form an ababa five-layered structure. The C-terminal portion of the Accepted: 31 Jan 1996 molecule forms a distinct domain, which is separated from the N-terminal domain Structure 15 March 1996, 4:287–298 by a wide cleft. © Current Biology Ltd ISSN 0969-2126 Conclusions: Firefly luciferase is the first member of a superfamily of homologous enzymes, which includes acyl-coenzyme A ligases and peptide synthetases, to have its structure characterized. The residues conserved within the superfamily are located on the surfaces of the two domains on either side of the cleft, but are too far apart to interact simultaneously with the substrates. -
Bioluminescence Is Produced by a Firefly-Like Luciferase but an Entirely
www.nature.com/scientificreports OPEN New Zealand glowworm (Arachnocampa luminosa) bioluminescence is produced by a Received: 8 November 2017 Accepted: 1 February 2018 frefy-like luciferase but an entirely Published: xx xx xxxx new luciferin Oliver C. Watkins1,2, Miriam L. Sharpe 1, Nigel B. Perry 2 & Kurt L. Krause 1 The New Zealand glowworm, Arachnocampa luminosa, is well-known for displays of blue-green bioluminescence, but details of its bioluminescent chemistry have been elusive. The glowworm is evolutionarily distant from other bioluminescent creatures studied in detail, including the frefy. We have isolated and characterised the molecular components of the glowworm luciferase-luciferin system using chromatography, mass spectrometry and 1H NMR spectroscopy. The purifed luciferase enzyme is in the same protein family as frefy luciferase (31% sequence identity). However, the luciferin substrate of this enzyme is produced from xanthurenic acid and tyrosine, and is entirely diferent to that of the frefy and known luciferins of other glowing creatures. A candidate luciferin structure is proposed, which needs to be confrmed by chemical synthesis and bioluminescence assays. These fndings show that luciferases can evolve independently from the same family of enzymes to produce light using structurally diferent luciferins. Glowworms are found in New Zealand and Australia, and are a major tourist attraction at sites located across both countries. In contrast to luminescent beetles such as the frefy (Coleoptera), whose bioluminescence has been well characterised (reviewed by ref.1), the molecular details of glowworm bioluminescence have remained elusive. Tese glowworms are the larvae of fungus gnats of the genus Arachnocampa, with eight species endemic to Australia and a single species found only in New Zealand2. -
A Global Perspective on Firefly Extinction Threats
See discussions, stats, and author profiles for this publication at: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/339213788 A Global Perspective on Firefly Extinction Threats Article in BioScience · February 2020 DOI: 10.1093/biosci/biz157 CITATION READS 1 231 6 authors, including: Sara M Lewis Avalon Celeste Stevahn Owens Tufts University Tufts University 112 PUBLICATIONS 4,372 CITATIONS 10 PUBLICATIONS 48 CITATIONS SEE PROFILE SEE PROFILE Candace E. Fallon Sarina Jepsen The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation 7 PUBLICATIONS 20 CITATIONS 36 PUBLICATIONS 283 CITATIONS SEE PROFILE SEE PROFILE Some of the authors of this publication are also working on these related projects: Usage of necrophagous beetles (Coleoptera) in forensic entomology: determination and developmental models View project Utilizing beetle larvae of family Silphidae in forensic practice View project All content following this page was uploaded by Sara M Lewis on 12 February 2020. The user has requested enhancement of the downloaded file. Forum A Global Perspective on Firefly Extinction Threats SARA M. LEWIS , CHOONG HAY WONG, AVALON C.S. OWENS , CANDACE FALLON, SARINA JEPSEN, ANCHANA THANCHAROEN, CHIAHSIUNG WU, RAPHAEL DE COCK, MARTIN NOVÁK, TANIA LÓPEZ-PALAFOX, VERONICA KHOO, AND J. MICHAEL REED Insect declines and their drivers have attracted considerable recent attention. Fireflies and glowworms are iconic insects whose conspicuous bioluminescent courtship displays carry unique cultural significance, giving them economic value as ecotourist attractions. Despite evidence of declines, a comprehensive review of the conservation status and threats facing the approximately 2000 firefly species worldwide is lacking. We conducted a survey of experts from diverse geographic regions to identify the most prominent perceived threats to firefly population and species persistence. -
Research Article the Dark Side of the Light Show: Predators of Fireflies in the Great Smoky Mountains
Hindawi Publishing Corporation Psyche Volume 2012, Article ID 634027, 7 pages doi:10.1155/2012/634027 Research Article The Dark Side of the Light Show: Predators of Fireflies in the Great Smoky Mountains Sara M. Lewis,1 Lynn Faust,2 and Raphael¨ De Cock3 1 Department of Biology, Tufts University, Medford, MA 02155, USA 2 Emory River Land Company, 11828 Couch Mill Road, Knoxville, TN 37932, USA 3 Evolutionary Ecology Group, University of Antwerp, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium Correspondence should be addressed to Sara M. Lewis, [email protected] Received 14 July 2011; Accepted 15 September 2011 Academic Editor: Diana E. Wheeler Copyright © 2012 Sara M. Lewis et al. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. In the Great Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee, the Light Show is a popular seasonal attraction created by thousands of courting male Photinus carolinus fireflies (Coleoptera: Lampyridae) that flash in synchrony to locate females. This study was undertaken to provide a temporal snapshot of whether invertebrate predators are active within these dense and conspicuous firefly breeding aggregations. In addition, we examined whether female Photuris fireflies, which are specialist predators on other fireflies, show any feeding preferences within the diverse local firefly fauna. A field survey revealed a surprisingly diverse suite of generalist insectivores feeding on fireflies within P. carolinus breeding aggregations. In addition, laboratory studies revealed major differences in prey con- sumption rates when Photuris predators were given access to several lampyrid taxa. -
Food Derived from Herbicide-Tolerant Soybean Line SYHT0H2 Summary
Supporting document 1 Safety assessment – Application A1081 Food derived from Herbicide-tolerant Soybean Line SYHT0H2 Summary and Conclusions Background A genetically modified (GM) soybean line with OECD Unique Identifier SYN-0000H2-5, hereafter referred to as soybean SYHT0H2, has been developed to be tolerant to two herbicides with different modes of action, namely glufosinate-ammonium and mesotrione. Tolerance to glufosinate ammonium is achieved through expression of the enzyme phosphinothricin acetyltransferase (PAT). PAT is encoded by a pat gene obtained from the soil bacterium Streptomyces viridochromogenes. Tolerance to mesotrione is achieved through expression of the AvHPPD-03 protein encoded by the avhppd-03 gene from oat (Avena sativa). In conducting a safety assessment of food derived from soybean line SYHT0H2, a number of criteria have been addressed including: a characterisation of the transferred gene and its origin, function and stability in the soybean genome; the changes at the level of DNA, protein and in the whole food; compositional analyses; evaluation of intended and unintended changes; and the potential for the newly expressed proteins to be either allergenic or toxic in humans. This safety assessment report addresses only food safety and nutritional issues. It therefore does not address: environmental risks related to the environmental release of GM plants used in food production the safety of animal feed or animals fed with feed derived from GM plants the safety of food derived from the non-GM (conventional) plant. History of Use Soybean (Glycine max) is grown as a commercial crop in over 35 countries worldwide. Soybean-derived products have a range of food and feed as well as industrial uses and have a long history of safe use for both humans and livestock. -
Field Guide to Western North American Fireflies
Field Guide to Western North American Fireflies By Larry Buschman (May 2015 Draft) Fireflies are also known as lightning bugs or glowworms. They are popular insects because they produce their own light (bioluminescence). They are not “flies” or “bugs” but beetles (order Coleoptera) with leathery first wings. Fireflies belong to the family “Lampyridae”. Identify members of this family as follows: a. They have an elongated body. b. The head telescopes in and out under the pronotum (the thoracic shield). c. The pronotum is usually large and shield- like. d. The pronotum often has colorful markings with yellow, tan, red, or orange pigment. Fig. 1. Photinus firefly e. Most species are 5-20 mm long. This Field Guide is intended for those who would like to identify the different fireflies in their environment. This guide covers the most common firefly species, but is not intended to be comprehensive. North America is blessed with several hundred species of Lampyrids—the firefly family. Many of them fly around flashing and are called “Fireflies” or “Lightning Bugs”. This Field Guide will focus on these fireflies. However, there are also some “Glowwarms” (Lampyrids that glow from the ground) and the “Dark Fireflies” (non-glowing Lampyrids). For research I am obliged to take voucher specimens. However, many populations are so small, especially in the west, that loosing even a few specimens can be expected to have negative effects on their populations. I would encourage most firefliers not to take specimens (practice catch and release) unless they will be preserved for science. Fireflies should not be collected by children to decorate their bodies etc—not in the west! How to Identify Fireflies Many fireflies can be identified by their flash patterns, but this is not as easy as it would seem.