Exploring Bioluminescence in Aquatic Animals
Some of the world’s most fascinating organisms emit their own light through bioluminescence—which is typically generated by a light-emitting molecule and a specific type of enzyme. Animals might use bioluminescence to signal, attract prey, or attract mates. In this activity, students make sense of how organisms emit light using bioluminescence and how these phenomena can increase organisms’ survival rate in harsh environments. Through the engineering design process, students create their own bioluminescent organism using ultraviolet light and fluorescent materials to help their organism either warn and evade predators, lure and detect prey, or communicate between members of the same species.
Bioluminescent Organism Cut-Out with Fluorescent Materials Expressing BioluminescenceCopyright 2021 Jessica Robicheaux, Rice University RET
Engineers are interested in developing near-infrared dyes for their enhanced capability in fluorescence detection and imaging in biomedical applications. These imaging techniques include excellent tissue penetration depth, low background with minimal fluorescence from surrounding tissues, and low cost. Biomedical engineers in this field utilize fluorescence to visualize tissue using fluorescent probes. Like bioluminescence in nature, these dyes can be activated by certain wavelengths to help identify targeted tissues.
After this activity, students should be able to:
- Observe the way organisms live and survive in their ecosystem by interacting with the living and nonliving components.
- Compare the structures and functions of different species that help them live and survive in a specific environment such as green fluorescence in fish’s eye lids to help detect prey better.
- Communicate valid conclusions in both written and verbal form.