Microbiology and Immunology

Bioluminescence WORLD OF MICROBIOLOGY AND IMMUNOLOGY

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Although there have been several international meet-

ings designed to strengthen the implementation and monitor-

ing of BWC provisions, BWC verification procedures are

currently the responsibility of an ad hoc commission of scien-

tists. Broad international efforts to coordinate and strengthen

enforcement of BWC provisions remains elusive.

See alsoAnthrax, terrorist use of as a biological weapon;

Bacteria and bacterial infection; Biological warfare;

Epidemics and pandemics; Vaccine

BIOLOGY, CENTRAL DOGMA OF•see

MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND MOLECULAR GENETICS

BBioluminescenceIOLUMINESCENCE

Bioluminescence is the production of light by living organ-

isms. Some single-celled organisms (bacteriaand protista) as

well as many multicellular animals and fungidemonstrate bio-

luminescence.

Light is produced by most bioluminescent organisms

when a chemical called luciferin reacts with oxygen to pro-

duce light and oxyluciferin. The reaction between luciferin

and oxygen is catalyzed by the enzyme luciferase.

Luciferases, like luciferins, usually have different chemical

structures in different organisms. In addition to luciferin, oxy-

gen, and luciferase, other molecules (called cofactors) must be

present for the bioluminescent reaction to proceed. Cofactors

are molecules required by an enzyme (in this case luciferase)

Bioluminescent bacteria.

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