Previous Year Question
Some marine animals and insects emit light from their body in darkness. This phenomenon is known as
Phosphorescence
Bioluminescence
Both (a) and (b)
None of these
Correct Answer: B
Detailed Solution
When a living organism produces and emits light through a chemical reaction occurring within its body, the phenomenon is called Bioluminescence.
In this process, a light-producing molecule called Luciferin generally reacts with Oxygen. In many organisms, the Luciferase enzyme helps accelerate this reaction, resulting in the production of light.
Bioluminescence is particularly common in marine environments. It occurs in many fish, jellyfish, squid, crustaceans and planktonic organisms. On land, the Firefly is a well-known example.
Organisms may use Bioluminescence for different purposes, such as—
attracting prey, avoiding predators and communicating with other members of their species.
Phosphorescence is a different phenomenon. In phosphorescence, a substance first absorbs external light energy and then continues to release light slowly for some time. Therefore, the process in which a living organism produces its own light through a chemical reaction is Bioluminescence.