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The Epic Interactive Encyclopedia 1998
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Epic Interactive Encyclopedia, The - 1998 Edition (1998)(Epic Marketing).iso
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B
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Bioluminescence
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INFOTEXT
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1992-09-03
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608b
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16 lines
The production of light by living organisms.
It is a feature of many fishes, crustaceans,
and other marine animals, especially
deep-sea organisms. On land, bioluminescence
is seen in some nocturnal insects such as
glowworms and fireflies, and in certain
bacteria and fungi. Light is usually produced
by the oxidation of luciferin, a reaction
catalysed by the enzyme luciferase. This
reaction is unique, being the only known
biological oxidation that does not produce
heat. Animal luminescence is involved in
communication, camouflage, or the luring of
prey, but its function in other organisms is
unclear.