Glowing Planet: Bioluminescence
What is bioluminescence?
Bioluminescence is the ability to emit light through a chemical process that occurs within an organism. It is arguably one of the most interesting and captivating natural phenomena that exists in nature. There are many organisms that have bioluminescent capabilities. This adaptation has been developed many times in numerous organisms over thousands of years. Most of these organisms are marine animals, but the most well known example of a bioluminescent organism is the firefly or lightning bug. There are various types of organisms that have bioluminescent capabilities. They include insects, bacteria, fungi, cephalopods, plankton, and fish. Some of these organisms can be kept at home, and make for great ways to get kids interested in nature and its beauty (recommendations at the end of the article).
How is bioluminescence created?
First, let’s take a look at how bioluminescence works. The chemical process that creates bioluminescence requires a specific molecule, referred to as luciferin. It is not one specific molecule, but rather a family of molecules that interact with either oxygen or another substance, and results in the emission of light as the hypnotic glow we refer to as bioluminescence. This chemical process is often made possible by an oxidative enzyme referred to as luciferase. The term luciferase can refer to multiple oxidative enzymes that catalyze the reaction between a luciferin and (in most cases) oxygen. The chemical reaction between a luciferin and oxygen creates a fragmented molecule in an excited state that emits light while degrading.
Not every organism that has the ability to create bioluminescence can do so on its own. Some organisms create their own luciferin and bioluminescence, such as a group of plankton called Dinoflagellates. Other organisms acquire their luciferin by consuming life forms that contain the molecule. They then absorb the luciferin and use it to create their own bioluminescence. Other organisms don’t rely on predation to obtain luciferin, but instead achieve bioluminescence through symbiotic relationships with other species. Squid, for instance, house bioluminescent bacteria in their light emitting organs. Agitating the hosted bacteria causes them to create bioluminescence. The squid will manipulate the bacteria and their light emitting organs in order to utilize bioluminescence on demand.
Bioluminescence exists in many different species, and has evolved as an adaptation many times even within a single species. But what purpose does this adaptation serve?
What is bioluminescence used for?
While not completely understood, the reason for bioluminescence is believed to be for both attraction and distracting. It seems to be used for reproductive purposes, for the purpose of obtaining food, and as a method of distracting predators to allow for an escape to safety. But not all organisms seem to use bioluminescence for a purpose. In some cases, the ability to create bioluminescence seems to lack a purpose at all, and is created simply due to agitation.
While it is only a hypothesis, it is believed that the fungi Panellus Stipticus uses its bioluminescence to attract insects to it in order to utilize them as a way to spread their reproductive spores to longer distances than they can manage on their own. When a mushroom (the fruiting body of fungi) forms, it releases thousands and thousands of spores that are spread through the air. By creating bioluminescence, fungi can attract insects to its mushroom. The spores then stick to the insect when it lands on the mushroom, and they are then carried to new locations when the insect flies away. This allows for spores to be spread to further distances than they normally would be by wind alone. Furthermore, if an insect travels underground, or into a decaying log, the spores are carried along with it, reaching a location that may be an ideal host for these spores, but may be inaccessible by air travel.
Some species such as fireflies or lightning bugs use their bioluminescence as both a way of attracting a mate, and a way of distracting predators. Their colorful flashes of bioluminescence allow them to communicate, and attract mates as they fly through the darkness of the night.
Squid use their bioluminescence to confuse predator fish, giving them an opportunity to escape. By manipulating their light emitting organs where they host bioluminescent bacteria, they produce flashes of bioluminescent light which acts as a way to disorient predators, allowing them to escape predation. Most squid that live near the surface of the ocean eject an ink-like substance into the water when predators are near. They then use this dark, inky cloak to hide themselves as they make an escape. The vampire squids that live in the depths of the ocean where light does not reach have adapted to their pitch black environment, and do not release this ink-like substance. Instead, they release a bioluminescent mucus-like material when they are being preyed upon. It is used in the same way their cousin squids use their ink cloak up at the surface. It masks their movements, distracts and disorients predators, and allows for a quick escape to safety.
Although bioluminescence is used by some species to evade predation, it is used by others for the exact opposite reasons; to catch prey. It is believed that the deep sea angler fish use their bioluminescence to attract prey. Similarly to squid, angler fish cannot create bioluminescence on their own. Angler fish host bioluminescent bacteria in a structure referred to as their esca at the tip of their rod-like structure. This feature acts like a fishing pole. The photobacterium that are hosted in the esca create bioluminescence that the angler fish then utilizes as a lure.
Living in the depths of the ocean where light cannot reach, the faintest glow can be attractive to some fish. Like a moth to a flame, some fish become mesmerized by the glow of an esca, and are drawn straight into the dangerous reach of the angler fish’s teeth. But not all bioluminescence is used for obtaining food in the angler fish world. They’ve also been observed using the same mesmerizing glow to attract mates.
Bioluminescence is not always used with intent. Some organisms emit bioluminescence without purpose, or purposes yet to be identified. Photobacterium and some dinoflagellates emit bioluminescent light when they are agitated. When waters are filled with them, ocean waves, or other disturbances in the water cause them to emit light giving the waters an incredible, surreal glow. Although these organisms may seem to lack purpose for their bioluminescence, it is often utilized by other organisms for specific reasons.
Whales will agitate water with bioluminescent organisms present in order to attract fish that they then eat. The angler fish and squid, as mentioned before, harbor photobacterium in their specialized structures and then manipulate them and utilize the bioluminescence to their benefit.
How can we observe bioluminescence ourselves?
There are bays and beaches across the US where bioluminescence can be observed. Bioluminescent tides occur when conditions are just right. Puerto Rico is one of the most well known places with common occurrences. It has numerous locations where bioluminescent waters can be observed including Mosquito Bay on Vieques, Laguna Grande in Fajardo, and La Parguera in Lajas. They offer kayak and boat tours at most locations, some of which are clear bottomed allowing you to observe the spectacular natural phenomenon as you glide over top of it. Some locations even allow swimming in the water with goggles for an underwater view of the glowing streaks of bioluminescence.
On the west coast, the beaches of Southern California often see bioluminescent tides when water heats up in the peak of summer. Spring is often a good time as well depending on the water temperature. The best place to witness them is at locations that have little to no light pollution such as state parks. If there is a new moon, you’re in luck! Book a kayak trip and you’ll immerse yourself in the beautiful glow of the sea.
Off of the San Juan Islands in Washington, cross sections of tides bring in a surplus of various organisms, all in one place. Some of these happen to be our favorite bioluminescent organisms that create glowing waters. The San Juan Islands have the added benefit of being a location that whales frequent. A kayak tour timed just right could provide a rare experience of whales gliding through the water, agitating it and creating large streaks of bioluminescent water.
On the east coast bioluminescence can be witnessed in several locations. The Space Coast of Florida has a beautiful show of bioluminescent tides usually occurring in the peak of summer. Visit in the winter and a bioluminescent tour will bring you to locations off of the Space Coast where comb jellyfish and snapping shrimp (two bioluminescent species) can be witnessed.
Even up in the northeast coast in NJ, bioluminescent waters can be observed. Though unpredictable, red tides bring shows of bioluminescent waters in Manasquan, NJ. Best times to catch this occurrence is late July through Labor Day
Bioluminescence doesn’t have to be a difficult thing to find. The lightning bug or firefly is widespread across the United States. They can be caught and put in a jar to observe closely, and released at the end of the night. If you can catch the peak in any given location, you will witness an incredible experience in which the entire night seems to glisten and sparkle like stars in the sky.
If you’re up for the challenge, and you live in an area where bioluminescent mushrooms grow in the wild, you can plan hiking trips in order to find them. You’re best bet would be to find them during the day, and return at night to observe their glow. If it is legal in your area, you may even be able to bring a small log home to observe and watch as they continue to grow if kept in the proper conditions. There are also many groups of foragers that have all sorts of expertise in finding mushrooms and other plants. If you can find a local group you may be able to join them on a foraging trip. They may even be willing to share some information on where you can find and observe bioluminescent mushrooms.
The easiest and often most fun way to observe bioluminescence is right at home. There are various kits you can purchase to observe bioluminescence. Some of which are as follows:
The PyroFarms Bioluminescent Bio Orb:
This kit comes with a pouch filled with seawater and micro algae know as dinoflagellates, a glass sphere to house the dinoflagellates, and a pouch of nutrients that are added as time passes to sustain the algae and keep it thriving. The sphere glows a bioluminescent blue color when agitated (best is to swirl the liquid in the sphere) which gives a perfect hands-on experience, especially for kids. It’s like magic in a glass. Do be wary, if you order this kit it must be opened as soon as it arrives in order to ensure the survival of the dinoflagellates.
If this is being purchased as a gift, it is best to purchase the “gift option” which does not have the living organisms that need light and need to be opened immediately. Instead, it includes a coupon for a free pouch of dinoflagellates that the receiver can send away for when ready.
Bioluminescent Mushroom Liquid Culture (Panellus Stipticus)
This syringe of bioluminescent fungi liquid culture can be used to inoculate mushroom growing substrate. Which can be purchased by the same company here: https://amzn.to/3hqnD6k
These bags are sterilized, and contain a port for inoculation with the syringe of liquid culture. The bags are and all in one system, therefore you do not need to transfer your culture from one substrate to another.
The culture will innocste the substrate and will create a visible bioluminescent glow in the pitch black. The glow will progress with the spread of the mycelium through the substrate. Even brighter are the mushrooms that eventually grow from the mycelium. This is a great project to do with kids, and to observe over time.
Bioluminescent Mushroom Log Growing Kit
https://www.etsy.com/listing/1276378504/
These mushroom log kits come with wooden dowel plugs that have been inoculated with bioluminescent mycelium. Simply find a log, drill holes in it, plug the holes with the inoculated dowel plugs, and cover the holes with the provided wax. Store in a dark, humid environment (you can use a small storage bin) and wait for the mycelium to inoculate the log. Check periodically. When the mycelium has spread, you will be left with a log that has become inhabited by bioluminescent mycelium. Keep the log happy and it will eventually fruit bioluminescent mushrooms with a bright and beautiful glow.
This is the perfect gift for and activity with kids. It teaches patience, and provides an observable change over time, and becomes more and more rewarding astime passes andthe bioluminescent mycelium spread. After inoculating the log successfully you can try to expand your culture to more logs or wood chips.
Conclusion
Bioluminescence is one of the most intriguing natural phenomena. It has been developed by many species separately over thousands of years, and seems to be used most often as a way to distract predators, attract prey, attract a mate, or reproduce. It is created by some species, but also utilized by other species that do not directly create it themselves. Some species even seem to contain the ability to bioluminesce without purpose. It is awe-inspiring, hypnotic, and breathtaking, and it can be observed both in nature, or right at home.
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