Answer 1:
That is an interesting question. The
production of light by a living organism is known
as bioluminescence. Luciferase is an enzyme
(a special type of protein) that is produced by
some organisms. When luciferase enzymatically
interacts with oxygen and luciferin (a complex
molecule similar to chlorophyll), it creates a
chemical byproduct (oxyluciferin) plus light.
There are many forms of luciferin and liuciferase
found in nature. Certain dinoflagellates
(unicellular marine organisms) that
potosynthesize use a luciferin that is chemically
similar to that of chlorophyll.
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