Dictionary > Biophoton

Biophoton

Definition
noun, plural: biophotons
A low-energy photon that is released by a biological system
Supplement
A photon is the quantum unit of light energy or electromagnetic radiation. It is emitted when an electron moves from one energy state to another. When it is emitted by a biological source, it is referred to as a biophoton. An example of this is the photon released through fluorescence. The light that is absorbed by an organism is released immediately. The biophoton has longer wavelength when re-emitted than that of what was absorbed. It occurs when the organism has a prior exposure to light and eventually absorbs it then releases it.
Another example of a biological system emitting biophotons is phosphorescence. In phosphorescence, the organism releases biophoton but not immediately unlike in fluorescence. Similarly though, the organism has a prior exposure to light, absorbs it, and emits it later on. Thus, phosphorescence is different from fluorescence in a way that there is a delayed emission of light by a biological system.
Photons released through bioluminescence, though, are not considered biophotons. Bioluminescence is one in which the organism produces light through biochemical means.
Word origin: bio (life) + photon
See also:


You will also like...

An artistic depiction of Dunkleosteus fish
Fish

The sea was teeming with life. Eventually, through reproduction and continued variation, fish came about. There are over..

Peppered moth ("Biston betularia") melanic and light form
Examples of Natural Selection

Darwin's Finches are an example of natural selection in action. They are an excellent example of the way species' gene p..

Genetics and Evolution
Genetics and Evolution

Humans are diploid creatures. This means that for every chromosome in the body, there is another one to match it. Howeve..

Angle Oak Tree
Seed Plants

Seed plants are vascular plants. They differ from the other vascular plants in producing seeds that germinate into a new..

dinosaurs
The Dinosaurs

Dinosaurs represented a major turn in the evolutionary development of organisms on Earth. The first dinosaurs were presu..

Digestion and Absorption of Food
Digestion and Absorption of Food

The gastrointestinal system breaks down particles of ingested food into molecular forms by enzymes through digestion and..

Related Articles...

No related articles found

See all Related Topics