How do ctenophores produce their bioluminescence

The study was performed by Dr. They based their findings on the whole genome of Mnemiopsis leidyi , which the group recently sequenced, assembled and annotated. Baxevanis and his group will soon publish a study analyzing the organism's genome, the first bioluminescent animal and the first ctenophore species for which there is a whole genome sequence.

Schnitzler, Ph. Baxevanis' group. But that's not the same as bioluminescence, which you can only see in the dark. Comb jellies' ability to generate light comes from genes that produce photoproteins. Two types of chemicals involved in light production, called luciferin and luciferase, are bound together in a photoprotein. This molecule can be triggered to produce light when calcium is added to the system.

Photoproteins emit flashes of very bright light for a fraction of a second. Adaptive Value Bioluminescence as a Response to Predation Bioluminescence in jellies serves a primarily defensive function. Since many deep- sea creatures are transparent, this draws attention to the predator and makes consuming bioluminescent prey risky. This could give the jelly time enough to regenerate lost tissue, or avert the predator completely. Haddock et al, On land, it is widely accepted that bright coloration can advertise toxicity or unpalatability, and it is believed that the same mechanism may hold true for marine bioluminescence as well.

Cnidarians in particular are thought use bioluminescence this way because they are fragile and it is advantageous to them to avoid physical encounters as well to their opponents-jellyfish stings can be deadly. Haddock et al, , Herring and Widder Comb jellies, such as the species Beroe forskalii, can express bioluminescence internally, in cascading waves or otherwise.

Light Used for Instant Signaling Comb jellies. Functions Performed More from this Living System. Transform Radiant Energy Light The sun is the ultimate source of energy for many living systems. See More of this Function. See More of this Living System. An enzyme called photoprotein in comb jellies produces light when calcium changes the enzyme's shape, releasing energy. Journal article All That Glows: Bioluminescence provides practical applications while still remaining a mystery. Other Biological Strategies.

Biological Strategy Fluorophores Enhance Photosynthesis.