BIOL 102 Lecture Notes - Lecture 31: Chemical Energy, Cell Theory, Homeostasis
Document Summary
Bioluminescence process is the opposite of light absorption. Chemical energy in the form of atp excites and electron in a substrate molecule to a higher excited state and when this returns to the ground state the energy i released as a photon of light. Bioluminescence is very efficient and only 5% is lost due to heat (this is essential since high heat production is not compatible with life) This is used to attract a mate, attract prey, camouflage, communicate, or as a defense mechanism. Unicellular algae light up when there"s a disturbance in the water or a fish is around and the fish becomes visible to its own predator therefor it leaves. Quorum sensing is now believed to be the basis for milky sees (bright lit parts of the ocean) Some fungi in the forest have bioluminescence but it is a mystery of how and why.
