BETA
Chapter 1
The chemistry of living light
Chapter 2
Glowing bays and beaches
Chapter 3
Monsters of the deep ocean
Chapter 4
Milky seas and giant glows
YOUR GOAL
Master of The glowing seas
Ch 1 · The chemistry of living light
artiteacher Mix glowing chemicals in the lab to discover how marine life lights up the ocean.
artiteacher Bioluminescent Oceans
Stir the bay / chemical sparks / blue in the dark!
artiteacher Marine bioluminescence has evolved independently at least 94 separate times across various species.
artiteacher Bioluminescence creates its own light, while fluorescence only absorbs and re-emits external light.
Fun Fact
Cold light: Over 95% of the energy in a bioluminescent reaction is turned into pure light, making it the most efficient light source on Earth.
Glossary
luciferin (noun)
An organic compound that emits light when oxidized in the presence of a specific enzyme. In 1887, French physiologist Raphaël Dubois first extracted this substance, which allows marine organisms to glow.
An organic compound that emits light when oxidized in the presence of a specific enzyme. In 1887, French physiologist Raphaël Dubois first extracted this substance, which allows marine organisms to glow.
Quiz
What percentage of deep-sea ocean creatures are estimated to produce their own light?