Bioluminescence is the production and emission of light by a living organism, created by the result of a chemical reaction during which chemical energy is converted into light energy. Bioluminescence occurs at a high level in marine vertebrates and invertebrates, as well as in some fungi, microorganisms and terrestrial invertebrates. Ninety percent of deep-sea marine life is estimated to produce bioluminescence in one form or another. Most marine light-emission appears in a blue and green light color which the wavelengths can transmit through the seawater easily. This light is created by luminescence which is the emission of light by a substance that has not been heated, as in fluorescence and phosphorescence. It does not requires nor generates much heat, so it's sometimes known as cold light. Chemical compounds mix together to make a glow in the luminescent creatures. Bioluminescence can also be essential for the survival of the marine creatures.

 

           Bioluminescence is a form of chemiliminescence where light energy is released by a chemical reaction. Plankton and other creatures produce the chemicals luciferin, which is a pigment, and luciferase, which is an enzyme. First, luciferin and energy react with adenylate and turn into luciferyl adenylate were an endothermic reaction takes place since the chemical structure of the chemicals is rearranged so that more energy can be stored in the luciferyl adenylate. After this process, luciferyl adenylate reacts with oxygen in the water oxidizing this chemical and creating inactive oxyluciferin and photons of light. The chemical equation would be luciferyl adenylate+O2→oxyluciferin+light. This chemical process happens with the help of catalyst which is luciferase that speeds up the reaction and lets luciferyl adenylate react with oxygen.  The chemical reaction that created the photons of light is exothermic since it gives off light.

 

           This light produced by this organism has many functions that help the animals survive. For example, these animals use the light to lure prey, mostly bacteria, lure other organisms with an external light, stun or confuse it’s prey, and even illuminate it’s prey. But this light isn’t only used for offense, but also for defense. For example, the organism uses the light to startle, counterillumination, misdirection, burglar alarm, and to warn it’s group. The main use for this light is to communicate between the organisms, almost always for recognition and mate attraction.

 

       Bioluminescence is essential for the creatures with this characteristics. After a reaction to give off photons of light these creatures benefit from their glowing property. When a luciferyl adenylate reacts with oxygen, inactive oxyluciferin and photons light are created. Living organism underwater have this luminescent characteristic and use it for their benefit, their survival. Plankton, angelfish, and other underwater creatures use their light to lure their prey,illuminate it, or confuse them to catch them. There is also defensive use were the creatures startle with the light predators mislead them, or warn their group to get away. This photons of light are also used for communication between the organisms, were they use the light to recognise each other or mate attraction. Bioluminescence is a form of life for the underwater living organisms where they can benefit from it and startle anyone who sees this chemical reaction at dark in the sea.