Life: The Science of Biology
Life: The Science of Biology
11th Edition
ISBN: 9781319010164
Author: David E. Sadava, David M. Hillis, H. Craig Heller, Sally D. Hacker
Publisher: W. H. Freeman
bartleby

Concept explainers

bartleby

Videos

Question
Book Icon
Chapter 8, Problem 1Q
Summary Introduction

To review:

The types and functions of molecules necessary for the production of light in the firefly lanterns.

Introduction:

The Lampyridae refers to the family of insects present in the beetle order Coleoptera. These are basically winged beetles, which are commonly known as fireflies or lightning bugs. The fireflies emit energy in the form of light and this phenomenon is known as bioluminescence. The light is emitted from an organ known as firefly lantern, which is located in their abdomen.

The fireflies (Photuris pennsylvanica) are known to emit light during hot summer nights, which the people enjoy watching. This is a form of mating signal, through which the fireflies attract mates of the opposite sex.

Expert Solution & Answer
Check Mark

Explanation of Solution

In order to emit light, they dispense some of their energy utilizing the adenosine triphosphate (ATP). Apart from the ATP, other molecules are also involved in the emission of light, which are luciferin, enzyme (luciferase), and magnesium ions. The luciferin is the main molecule, which is responsible for the generation of light. The energy is provided by the ATP molecule. The researchers have found that luciferin emits maximum light in the presence of magnesium ions. All three molecules emit light when they are activated by enzyme luciferase under aerobic conditions.

Conclusion

Thus, it can be concluded that set of molecules, which are responsible for the production of light by the firefly lanterns are luciferin, luciferase, ATP, and magnesium ions. The enzyme luciferase activates luciferin in the presence of ATP. The bioluminescence is further enhanced by the magnesium ions in the fireflies.

Want to see more full solutions like this?

Subscribe now to access step-by-step solutions to millions of textbook problems written by subject matter experts!
Students have asked these similar questions
THE LIGHT DEPENDEN REACTION MUST OCCUR BEFORE THE LIGHT INDEPENDENT REACTION    TRUE OR FALSE?
In the same oak leaf that absorbed 15,440 photons, how many CO2 molecules are fixed to produce the glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate molecules that are used as building blocks for hexose sugars?
What features of the scent molecules of apples and oranges determine their volatility and odors?
Knowledge Booster
Background pattern image
Biology
Learn more about
Need a deep-dive on the concept behind this application? Look no further. Learn more about this topic, biology and related others by exploring similar questions and additional content below.
Similar questions
SEE MORE QUESTIONS
Recommended textbooks for you
Text book image
Biology: The Dynamic Science (MindTap Course List)
Biology
ISBN:9781305389892
Author:Peter J. Russell, Paul E. Hertz, Beverly McMillan
Publisher:Cengage Learning
Text book image
Principles Of Radiographic Imaging: An Art And A ...
Health & Nutrition
ISBN:9781337711067
Author:Richard R. Carlton, Arlene M. Adler, Vesna Balac
Publisher:Cengage Learning
Anaerobic Respiration; Author: Bozeman Science;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cDC29iBxb3w;License: Standard YouTube License, CC-BY