Biofluorescence/Bioluminescence

Deciphering the dazzling light displays in the Ocean.

Have you ever thought about the ocean not as a great ocean of blue, but a light-show? It's true! Dive under the waves, and you will be able to witness a fantastic light world, which is made possible by two amazing biological processes biofluorescence and bioluminescense. Though they may be similar to each other, these two processes are remarkably dissimilar with each making its compelling spectacle of the dark depths. We should get in and discover the mysteries of the brilliant light of the ocean.

So, we will speak first about bioluminescence. This is possibly the more well-known of the two and it is in fact, living light. In the case of the bioluminescent organism, the organism is self-illuminating and the light is produced by a chemical reaction in the body of the organism. Imagine it is a glow stick of nature! In this reaction, a molecule known as luciferin is usually involved and an enzyme known as luciferase. When they mix with oxygen they produce light without producing a lot of heat and is thus a cold light.

Bioluminescence is applied by many deep-sea creatures. Just consider the anglerfish, who has a blazing lure swinging in the dark cave that entices unsuspecting foes. Or tens of thousands of tiny plankton that illuminate the ocean surface like a starry night when disturbed producing heart-taking effects of fire in the water that you may have watched on viral videos. Bioluminescence is even a form of camouflage and warning to predators and even a method of attracting mates used by some squid and jellyfish. It is an active process which is an investment of energy in the living being that generates its own light due to a purpose.

However, now we will concentrate on bioflurescence. This is an even more insidious and misinterpreted process. Biofluorescent organisms do not generate their light, unlike bioluminescence. Instead, they should absorb the light around them (usually blue light, which has the most penetrating wavelength into the ocean) and then re-emit it at a different and usually longer wavelength - such as green, red or orange. Imagine it to be a neon sign, which requires an outside source of light in order to shine, but then burns in its own bright color. To experience the effect of biofluorescence, you must have a particular source of light, such as a blue light or UV light since these colors are not easily detected in white light.

What is the location of biofluorescence? It is quite common, particularly in reefs of shallow depths and also in mid and deep reefs. Particularly coral reefs are biofluorescent with life. Beautiful fluorescent patterns are found in many species of corals, anemones and even fish. Suppose there were a reef, which in ordinary light appears one thing, but, on being shone upon with blue light, burst forth into electric greens, fervent oranges, and glaring reds! It is an underground disco under the sea. The use of biofluorescence in scientists remains an area of research but some of the theories include; camouflage, UV protection, mate attraction or even assisting algae in corals to photosynthesize.

Therefore, in a nutshell, the main point of difference is, in biosumption, a lot of light is produced internally, whereas in biofluorescence it is absorbed and then re-emitted in another color.

The two phenomena are crucial in the intricate ecosystems of the ocean. One frequent use of bioluminescence is in communication, hunting and defence in the dark, where there is little light. Biofluorescence, however, introduces the visual complexity to the shallower waters with sunlight, and alters the vision of the marine organisms.

Scientists, as explorers, are ever finding new species of bioluminescent and biofluorescent and challenging the knowledge base of our marine biology. We discover something new with every single discovery and it shows a new facet of the large habitat of the planet. The sea is indeed a marvel, it keeps on astounding us with its mysterious secrets. Next time you consider the ocean, then, remember its secret light shows, a tribute to the wonderful adaptations of life on the planet.