Instituto Panamericano de David

Bioluminescence
(Bio-glow)

Students:
Shenil Hernandez , Alexandra Della Sera,
Sheilyn Espinosa, Andrea Villavicencio , Melissa Mojica
Ethan Pitty , Javier Esquivel

Professor:
Fanny Hernandez

Grade:
10 S3

2025
Proyect title: Bio-glow

Objective: To study the biochemical mechanisms responsible for

bioluminescence in marine algae, in order to understand their ecological function,

and to investigate how marine algae and certain marine animals adapt to their

environment through the chemical reactions of different types of enzymes.

Theoretical framework:

Marine Bioluminescence

Bioluminescence is the natural ability of certain organisms to produce and emit

visible light through a chemical reaction. This reaction usually involves the

oxidation of a molecule called luciferin, catalyzed by an enzyme known as

luciferase, or in some cases, a photoprotein. The result is the emission of cold

light (light without heat), which serves important roles in the lives of many marine

organisms.

Distribution and Habitat

Bioluminescence is most commonly found in the ocean, particularly in the deep

sea, where sunlight does not penetrate. It is rare in freshwater environments,

with only a few known examples such as insect larvae, a freshwater snail, and

some unconfirmed reports from Lake Baikal. On land, the most familiar
bioluminescent organisms are fireflies, but other examples include glowing fungi,

beetles, millipedes, centipedes, earthworms, and some flies.

The marine environment offers ideal conditions for the evolution of

bioluminescence:

Long-term environmental stability.

Clearer water compared to lakes or rivers, making light more visible.

Vast areas of the ocean are either dimly lit or completely dark.

High diversity and complexity in ecological interactions (predator, prey, parasites,

etc.).

Evolutionary Origins

Bioluminescence has evolved independently many times across various

lineages. Each group of organisms may use a different chemical pathway to

produce light. For instance, some mollusks have evolved at least seven distinct

ways to produce light. In symbiotic systems (such as certain fish or squid that

host luminous bacteria), the light-producing ability may have evolved only once in

the bacteria, but each host species had to independently develop specialized

light organs to house the microbes.

Non-symbiotic luminous organisms typically carry genes encoding their luciferase

or photoprotein, though not always for luciferin, the molecule that emits light.
Examples of Bioluminescent Organisms

Dinoflagellates

These are single-celled marine plankton and among the most frequently

encountered luminous organisms, especially for beachgoers or sailors who

notice glowing sparkles in the water. Dinoflagellates are responsible for the

bioluminescent bays in Puerto Rico and Jamaica. Some are photosynthetic,

while others are predators. They can form red tides, which may be harmful or

toxic under specific conditions. Interestingly, dinoflagellates prioritize energy for

bioluminescence over growth, although swimming remains their top priority.

Bioluminescent Bacteria

These are widespread in warm, temperate ocean waters and can even be

cultured from organic material or raw seafood. A common misconception is that

most marine animals glow because of bacterial symbionts—when in fact, most

do not. However, some fish and squid species do rely on mutualistic bacteria,

particularly from the Vibrio genus, such as Vibrio fischeri.

These bacteria emit light only when they reach a high population density, a

process regulated through quorum sensing. Unlike most animals that flash light

briefly, bacteria glow continuously in the presence of oxygen, which makes them

ideal for symbiosis in marine hosts and even for phenomena like milky seas.
Functions of Bioluminescence

Bioluminescence serves multiple ecological purposes, which can differ

depending on the species, its developmental stage, and environmental

conditions. Key functions include:

Defense: Short, sudden flashes can confuse or scare predators.

Attraction: Light may lure prey or potential mates.

Communication: Used in social interactions, courtship, or reproductive

behavior.

Camouflage: Some species produce light to match ambient light from above,

making them invisible from below (a strategy known as counterillumination).

In general, constant glows tend to attract, while sudden flashes may serve

defensive purposes. However, interpreting these functions isn't always

straightforward—what an animal does in a lab under stimulation may not reflect

its natural behavior in the wild.

developmental biology, 14(1), 197-230.

Hypothesis

Is the independent evolution of bioluminescence in marine organisms related to

common ecological factors such as darkness, environmental stability and species

interaction, rather than to the evolutionary relationship between organisms?

3D model materials
Plastic figurines of sea animals From 0.75$ to 1.50$

Plastic sheet 17.00$

Gel 1.00$

Acrylic painting 14.50$

Neon sand 5.00$

Presentation sheet
Color cardboard 2.00$
Black cardboard0+ 4.00$ to 5.00$
Decorations 0.75$ to 3.00$

Neon markers 10.00$

Ultraviolet flashlight 14.00$

Experiment
Luminol 14.00$
Sodium hydroxide 13.00$
Bleach 7.00$
Water 1.50$
Our main budget will be around 90-100$ in case we need any last-minute

materials and to avoid complications. For each member of our team, it’s going to

be 12.35$ for each.

Methodology

The first phase for this project is the research and bookworm phase. We will

investigate about how bioluminescence works on the seabed and the type of

chemical reactions that occur in different marine algae, fauna, and bacteria found

in the ocean. It is worth mentioning that bioluminescence is also found in non-

marine animals such as fireflies.

To present our project, we had in mind to make a model of a beach with

bioluminescent light on the coast. To simulate the bioluminescent light produced

mainly by algae (dinoflagellates), we are going to use glitter and gel for the

coastal waters.

For the experiment, we will carry out a step-by-step combination of the chemicals

we are going to use, which are bleach, luminol, sodium hydroxide, and water.

Once we have solution A (water, sodium hydroxide, and luminol) and solution B

(water and bleach), we will mix both solutions to create the effect of

bioluminescence in the water, obviously with the lights off.

Data and observation

we need to take photos of each process when developing the chemical solution.

In each photo, we can say a brief explanation about what we are doing and why.

Results

Our results will be presented with images from the experiment, as well as an

analysis based on the hypothesis mentioned at the beginning of this project. We

will try to ensure that the results are direct and accurate.

Conclusions

We have quite high expectations for this project, as we have a very unusual and

interesting topic to research. It is also a little nerve-wracking, as it is our first time

participating in a science fair.

One of the things we have learned for our project is that bioluminescence is a

phenomenon produced by different chemical reactions and even depends on the

temperatures at which they occur (this is called luminescence). Many marine

animals such as algae, mollusks, and fish that are located at the bottom of the

ocean in extreme conditions, as well as non-marine animals such as fungi and

some insects (millipedes, beetles), exhibit bioluminescence. Bioluminescence in

animals at the bottom of the ocean can have many functions, whether offensive,

defensive, or for reproductive purposes between individuals.

Arciniegas, J. (1987). Bioluminiscencia. Revista de la Universidad de La Salle, 7(14), 89-

94.

Haddock, S. H., Moline, M. A., & Case, J. F. (2010). Bioluminescence in the sea. Annual

review of marine science, 2(1), 443-493.

[Link]

Iglesias Rodríguez, M. V., Leyva Maceda, S., Pérez Oduardo, A., Chong Almaguer, T.

R., Núñez Moreira, R. R., Ortiz Guilarte, E., ... & Lugioyo Gallardo, G. M. Bacterias

luminiscentes marinas: el fenómeno de emisión de luz y su aplicación biotecnológica.

Wilson, T., & Hastings, J. W. (1998). Bioluminescence. Annual review of cell and

developmental biology, 14(1), 197-230.