Kooperativer Bibliotheksverbund

UID:

Format: 1 online resource (vi, 185 p. ) , col. ill.

Edition: 1st ed.

ISBN: 0-674-07191-3 , 0-674-06802-5

Content: Bioluminescence is everywhere on earth-most of all in the ocean, from angler fish in the depths to the flashing of dinoflagellates at the surface. Here, Thérèse Wilson and Woody Hastings explore the natural history, evolution, and biochemistry of the diverse array of organisms that emit light. While some bacteria, mushrooms, and invertebrates, as well as fish, are bioluminescent, other vertebrates and plants are not. The sporadic distribution and paucity of luminous forms calls for explanation, as does the fact that unrelated groups evolved completely different biochemical pathways to luminescence. The authors explore the hypothesis that many different luciferase systems arose in the early evolution of life because of their ability to remove oxygen, which was toxic to life when it first appeared on earth. As oxygen became abundant and bioluminescence was no longer adequate for oxygen removal, other antioxidant mechanisms evolved and most luminous species became extinct. Those light-emitting species that avoided extinction evolved uses with survival value for the light itself. Today's luminous organisms use bioluminescence for defense from predators, for their own predatory purposes, or for communication in sexual courtship. Bioluminescence was earlier viewed as a fascinating feature of the living world, but one whose study seemed unlikely to contribute in any practical way. Today, bioluminescence is no longer an esoteric area of research. Applications are numerous, ranging from the rapid detection of microbial contamination in beef and water, to finding the location of cancer cells, to working out circuitry in the brain.

Note: Formerly CIP. , Includes bibliographical references (p. [169]-175) and index. , pt. 1. Five different bioluminescence systems -- pt. 2. Diversity, functions, and evolutionary origins of bioluminescence -- pt. 3. Bookends. , English

Additional Edition: ISBN 0-674-06716-9

Language: English

DOI: 10.4159/harvard.9780674068025

UID:

Format: 1 Online-Ressource (vi, 185 Seiten) : , Illustrationen, Diagramme, Karten (teilweise farbig).

ISBN: 978-0-674-06802-5

Additional Edition: Erscheint auch als Druck-Ausgabe ISBN 978-0-674-06716-5

Language: English

Subjects: Biology

Keywords: Biolumineszenz

DOI: 10.4159/harvard.9780674068025

URL: Volltext  (URL des Erstveröffentlichers)

Author information: Hastings, J. Woodland 1927-

Author information: Wilson, Thérèse, 1925-

UID:

Format: 1 online resource(176p.) : , illustrations.

Edition: Electronic reproduction. : Harvard University Press. Mode of access: World Wide Web.

Edition: System requirements: Web browser.

Edition: Access may be restricted to users at subscribing institutions.

ISBN: 9780674068025

Content: Bioluminescence is everywhere on earth—most of all in the ocean, from angler fish in the depths to flashing dinoflagellates at the surface. Wilson and Hastings explore the natural history, evolution, and biochemistry of the diverse array of organisms that emit light and offer an evolutionary explanation for their sporadic distribution and rarity.

Content: Bioluminescence is everywhere on earth—most of all in the ocean, from angler fish in the depths to the flashing of dinoflagellates at the surface. Here, Thérèse Wilson and Woody Hastings explore the natural history, evolution, and biochemistry of the diverse array of organisms that emit light. While some bacteria, mushrooms, and invertebrates, as well as fish, are bioluminescent, other vertebrates and plants are not. The sporadic distribution and paucity of luminous forms calls for explanation, as does the fact that unrelated groups evolved completely different biochemical pathways to luminescence. The authors explore the hypothesis that many different luciferase systems arose in the early evolution of life because of their ability to remove oxygen, which was toxic to life when it first appeared on earth. As oxygen became abundant and bioluminescence was no longer adequate for oxygen removal, other antioxidant mechanisms evolved and most luminous species became extinct. Those light-emitting species that avoided extinction evolved uses with survival value for the light itself. Today’s luminous organisms use bioluminescence for defense from predators, for their own predatory purposes, or for communication in sexual courtship. Bioluminescence was earlier viewed as a fascinating feature of the living world, but one whose study seemed unlikely to contribute in any practical way. Today, bioluminescence is no longer an esoteric area of research. Applications are numerous, ranging from the rapid detection of microbial contamination in beef and water, to finding the location of cancer cells, to working out circuitry in the brain.

Note: Frontmatter -- , CONTENTS -- , ACKNOWLEDGMENTS -- , BIOLUMINESCENCE -- , INTRODUCTION -- , Chapter one. A MARINE CRUSTACEAN -- , Chapter two. JELLYFISH AND GREEN FLUORESCENT PROTEIN -- , Chapter three. FIREFLIES AND OTHER BEETLES -- , Chapter four. DINOFLAGELLATES AND KRILL -- , Chapter five. BACTERIA -- , Chapter six. SHORT ACCOUNTS OF OTHER LUMINOUS ORGANISMS -- , chapter seven BIOLUMINESCENCE IN THE OCEANS -- , chapter eight THE MANY FUNCTIONS OF BIOLUMINESCENCE -- , chapter nine THE ORIGINS AND EVOLUTION OF BIOLUMINESCENCE -- , Chapter ten. APPLICATIONS -- , Chapter eleven. HOW DOES LIFE MAKE LIGHT? -- , GLOSSARY -- , FURTHER READING -- , ILLUSTRATION CREDITS -- , INDEX. , In English.

Language: English

DOI: 10.4159/harvard.9780674068025

URL: https://doi.org/10.4159/harvard.9780674068025