Dictionary > Luciferase

Luciferase

Definition
noun, plural: luciferases
Any of the group of enzymes that act on the oxidation of luciferin of bioluminescent organisms
Supplement
There are organisms that are capable of producing and emitting light. The production and emission of light is called bioluminescence and organisms capable of this are described as bioluminescent. Fireflies are well-known bioluminescent organisms. Adult fireflies use bioluminescence as a means to attract prey and mate. They are able to it because they have the enzyme luciferase. Luciferases are enzymes that act to bring about the oxidation of luciferins. The energy produced in the process is liberated as bioluminescence. Such enzymes can be used to detect very low concentrations of metabolites. The chemical reaction is as follows: (1st step) luciferin reacts with ATP to produce luciferyl adenylate and PPi, and (2nd step) luciferyl adenylate reacts with O2 resulting in the production of oxyluciferin in electronically excited state and AMP. When oxyluciferin returns to its ground state it releases a photon of light.
Etymologically, the name luciferase is derived from Lucifer, i.e. from lucem ferre which means ‘light-bearer’. Luciferases are different from photoproteins, which are also involved in bioluminescence. Photoproteins do not show typical enzyme kinetics such as observed in luciferases.
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..

Growth and Plant Hormones
Growth and Plant Hormones

Plants, like animals, produce hormones to regulate plant activities, including growth. They need these hormones to respo..

Schematic diagram of bacterial lactose operon
Gene Action – Operon Hypothesis

Learn how the way genes control and determine every aspect of the body. This lesson uses lac operon as an example. ..

..

New Zealand Fauna
New Zealand’s Unique Fauna

Meet some of New Zealand's unique fauna, including endemic insects, frogs, reptiles, birds, and mammals, and investigate..

3D rendering of an antibody
Passive and Active Types of Immunity

Lymphocytes are a type of white blood cell capable of producing a specific immune response to unique antigens. In thi..

Buttress roots
Roots

This study guide tackles plant roots in greater detail. It delves into the development of plant roots, the root structur..

Related Articles...

No related articles found

See all Related Topics