Light in the Depths: The Science and Art of Marine Bioluminescence
Bioluminescence is a biochemical phenomenon by which certain living organisms produce light through a reaction involving oxygen, a substrate molecule (luciferin), and enzymes such as luciferase or photoproteins. This process can occur intracellularly, extracellularly, or through symbiosis with biolu...
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| Format: | Article in Journal/Newspaper |
| Language: | Spanish |
| Published: |
Universidad de Bogotá Jorge Tadeo Lozano
2026
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| Online Access: | https://revistas.utadeo.edu.co/index.php/mutis/article/view/luz-profundidades-ciencia-arte-bioluminiscencia-marina https://doi.org/10.21789/22561498.2173 |
| Summary: | Bioluminescence is a biochemical phenomenon by which certain living organisms produce light through a reaction involving oxygen, a substrate molecule (luciferin), and enzymes such as luciferase or photoproteins. This process can occur intracellularly, extracellularly, or through symbiosis with bioluminescent bacteria. It is widely distributed in marine ecosystems, being present in bacteria, dinoflagellates, cnidarians, mollusks, crustaceans, annelids, and deep-sea fish. From an evolutionary perspective, bioluminescence has emerged as an adaptive strategy, fulfilling essential functions such as defense against predators, attracting prey, camouflage through counter-illumination, communication, and reproduction. Furthermore, its study has driven significant scientific advances, including the development of green fluorescent protein (GFP), a fundamental tool in biomedicine and molecular biology. However, factors such as global warming, ocean acidification, and coastal light pollution are altering the distribution, abundance, and behavior of bioluminescent organisms, compromising their ecological role and population stability. In addition to its ecological relevance, bioluminescence has become a valuable tool for environmental monitoring and the study of climate change. This article reviews the evolutionary origin, biochemical mechanisms, ecological functions, and scientific applications of bioluminescence, analyzing its vulnerability to current environmental transformations and highlighting its importance for the conservation of marine biodiversity. La bioluminiscencia es un fenómeno bioquímico mediante el cual ciertos organismos vivos producen luz a partir de una reacción que involucra oxígeno, una molécula sustrato (luciferina) y enzimas como la luciferasa o fotoproteínas. Este proceso puede ocurrir de manera intracelular, extracelular o a través de simbiosis con bacterias luminosas. Se encuentra ampliamente distribuido en ecosistemas marinos, estando presente en bacterias, dinoflagelados, cnidarios, moluscos, ... |
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