Abstract
The arm light organ of the firefly squid, Watasenia scintillans, emits extremely bright flashes of light, which are caused by a luciferin–luciferase reaction involving ATP, Mg 2+ and molecular oxygen. The molecular mechanism underlying the bioluminescence reaction has remained unresolved, because the luciferase could not be identified or isolated. The arm light organ contains numerous rod-like bodies that are 2–6 μm long and 1–2 μm thick. This paper addresses the characterization of the extracted rod-like body. We found that the rod-like bodies emit the light in vitro by the luciferin–luciferase reaction. Furthermore, by using the X-ray powder diffraction method, we confirmed that the rod-like bodies are well-ordered microcrystals.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
