Life: The Science of Biology
Life: The Science of Biology
11th Edition
ISBN: 9781319010164
Author: David E. Sadava, David M. Hillis, H. Craig Heller, Sally D. Hacker
Publisher: W. H. Freeman
bartleby

Concept explainers

bartleby

Videos

Question
Book Icon
Chapter 8, Problem 1Q
Summary Introduction

To review:

The types and functions of molecules necessary for the production of light in the firefly lanterns.

Introduction:

The Lampyridae refers to the family of insects present in the beetle order Coleoptera. These are basically winged beetles, which are commonly known as fireflies or lightning bugs. The fireflies emit energy in the form of light and this phenomenon is known as bioluminescence. The light is emitted from an organ known as firefly lantern, which is located in their abdomen.

The fireflies (Photuris pennsylvanica) are known to emit light during hot summer nights, which the people enjoy watching. This is a form of mating signal, through which the fireflies attract mates of the opposite sex.

Expert Solution & Answer
Check Mark

Explanation of Solution

In order to emit light, they dispense some of their energy utilizing the adenosine triphosphate (ATP). Apart from the ATP, other molecules are also involved in the emission of light, which are luciferin, enzyme (luciferase), and magnesium ions. The luciferin is the main molecule, which is responsible for the generation of light. The energy is provided by the ATP molecule. The researchers have found that luciferin emits maximum light in the presence of magnesium ions. All three molecules emit light when they are activated by enzyme luciferase under aerobic conditions.

Conclusion

Thus, it can be concluded that set of molecules, which are responsible for the production of light by the firefly lanterns are luciferin, luciferase, ATP, and magnesium ions. The enzyme luciferase activates luciferin in the presence of ATP. The bioluminescence is further enhanced by the magnesium ions in the fireflies.

Want to see more full solutions like this?

Subscribe now to access step-by-step solutions to millions of textbook problems written by subject matter experts!
Students have asked these similar questions
19. On the diagram below a. Label the three pictures as: DNA; polypeptide; or RNA. b. Label the arrows as: translation or transcription/RNA processing. c. Add the following details to the diagram. Promoter region TATA box Transcription start site Transcription terminator Intron (A,B,C,D) Exons (1,2,3,4,5) Splice sites 5' cap 5' UTR (untranslated region) 3' poly A tail 3' UTR (untranslated region) Translational start (AUG) Translational stop (UGA, UAG, or UAA) N and C ends of polypeptide 0000
Match the letter labels in the figure below to the terms. Some letter labels are not used. MNNNNNNIN M C B A M D F E H K G 8
The diagram below illustrates a quorum sensing pathway from Staphylococcus aureus. Please answer the following questions. 1. Autoinduction is part of the quorum sensing system. Which promoter (P2 or P3) is critical for autoinduction? 2)This staphylococcus aureus grows on human wounds, causing severe infections. You would like to start a clinical trial to treat these wound infections. Please describe: a) What molecule do you recommend for the trial. Why? b) Your trial requires that Staphylococcus aureus be isolated from the wound and submitted to genome sequencing before admittance. Why? What are you testing for?  3) If a mutation arises where the Promoter P3 is constitutively active, how would that influence sensitivity to AIP? Please explain your rationale. 4) This pathway is sensitive to bacterial cell density. Describe two separate mutation that would render the pathway active independent of cell density. Briefly explain your rationale. Mutation 1 Mutation 2
Knowledge Booster
Background pattern image
Biology
Learn more about
Need a deep-dive on the concept behind this application? Look no further. Learn more about this topic, biology and related others by exploring similar questions and additional content below.
Similar questions
SEE MORE QUESTIONS
Recommended textbooks for you
Text book image
Principles Of Radiographic Imaging: An Art And A ...
Health & Nutrition
ISBN:9781337711067
Author:Richard R. Carlton, Arlene M. Adler, Vesna Balac
Publisher:Cengage Learning
Text book image
Biomedical Instrumentation Systems
Chemistry
ISBN:9781133478294
Author:Chatterjee
Publisher:Cengage
Text book image
Surgical Tech For Surgical Tech Pos Care
Health & Nutrition
ISBN:9781337648868
Author:Association
Publisher:Cengage
Text book image
Biochemistry
Biochemistry
ISBN:9781305577206
Author:Reginald H. Garrett, Charles M. Grisham
Publisher:Cengage Learning
Text book image
Basic Clinical Laboratory Techniques 6E
Biology
ISBN:9781133893943
Author:ESTRIDGE
Publisher:Cengage
Text book image
Biology (MindTap Course List)
Biology
ISBN:9781337392938
Author:Eldra Solomon, Charles Martin, Diana W. Martin, Linda R. Berg
Publisher:Cengage Learning
Anaerobic Respiration; Author: Bozeman Science;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cDC29iBxb3w;License: Standard YouTube License, CC-BY