NATS 1870 Lecture Notes - Lecture 16: Luciferase, Ultraviolet, Enzyme
24 Oct 2017
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2 chemicals react in a similar way as chemicals in glow sticks. Luciferin+ luciferase + o2 (process of oxidization) > oxyluciferin + luciferese. Oxyluciferin is a molecule with e- in high energy levels - the * signi es an excited version of the molecule. 2 > oxyluciferin (excited state) > oxyluciferin (ground state/low orbit) + light (typically around 480 nm) In most cases - fresh luciferin must be brought into system by diet or internal synthesis. Needs a supply of oxygen for bioluminescence to occur. Oxygen is supplied externally, catalyst is required. Requires an input + energy to raise electron to high levels. Absorption of short wavelength photon (electron jumps to higher energy level) Key step for orescence: electron drops to slightly lower or intermediate level -> no visible wavelength emitted ( there is an internal energy change, but no light visible to human eye emitted)
