Bioluminescence is everywhere on earth―most of all in the ocean, from angler fish in the depths to the flashing of dinoflagellates at the surface. Here, Thérèse Wilson and Woody Hastings explore the natural history, evolution, and biochemistry of the diverse array of organisms that emit light.
While some bacteria, mushrooms, and invertebrates, as well as fish, are bioluminescent, other vertebrates and plants are not. The sporadic distribution and paucity of luminous forms calls for explanation, as does the fact that unrelated groups evolved completely different biochemical pathways to luminescence. The authors explore the hypothesis that many different luciferase systems arose in the early evolution of life because of their ability to remove oxygen, which was toxic to life when it first appeared on earth. As oxygen became abundant and bioluminescence was no longer adequate for oxygen removal, other antioxidant mechanisms evolved and most luminous species became extinct. Those light-emitting species that avoided extinction evolved uses with survival value for the light itself. Today’s luminous organisms use bioluminescence for defense from predators, for their own predatory purposes, or for communication in sexual courtship.
Bioluminescence was earlier viewed as a fascinating feature of the living world, but one whose study seemed unlikely to contribute in any practical way. Today, bioluminescence is no longer an esoteric area of research. Applications are numerous, ranging from the rapid detection of microbial contamination in beef and water, to finding the location of cancer cells, to working out circuitry in the brain.
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Book Description HRD. Condition: New. New Book. Shipped from UK. Established seller since 2000. Seller Inventory # WH-9780674067165
Book Description Hardcover. Condition: new. Hardcover. Bioluminescence is everywhere on earth-most of all in the ocean, from angler fish in the depths to the flashing of dinoflagellates at the surface. Here, Therese Wilson and Woody Hastings explore the natural history, evolution, and biochemistry of the diverse array of organisms that emit light.While some bacteria, mushrooms, and invertebrates, as well as fish, are bioluminescent, other vertebrates and plants are not. The sporadic distribution and paucity of luminous forms calls for explanation, as does the fact that unrelated groups evolved completely different biochemical pathways to luminescence. The authors explore the hypothesis that many different luciferase systems arose in the early evolution of life because of their ability to remove oxygen, which was toxic to life when it first appeared on earth. As oxygen became abundant and bioluminescence was no longer adequate for oxygen removal, other antioxidant mechanisms evolved and most luminous species became extinct. Those light-emitting species that avoided extinction evolved uses with survival value for the light itself. Today's luminous organisms use bioluminescence for defense from predators, for their own predatory purposes, or for communication in sexual courtship.Bioluminescence was earlier viewed as a fascinating feature of the living world, but one whose study seemed unlikely to contribute in any practical way. Today, bioluminescence is no longer an esoteric area of research. Applications are numerous, ranging from the rapid detection of microbial contamination in beef and water, to finding the location of cancer cells, to working out circuitry in the brain. Bioluminescence is everywhere on earthmost of all in the ocean, from angler fish in the depths to flashing dinoflagellates at the surface. Wilson and Hastings explore the natural history, evolution, and biochemistry of the diverse array of organisms that emit light and offer an evolutionary explanation for their sporadic distribution and rarity. Shipping may be from multiple locations in the US or from the UK, depending on stock availability. Seller Inventory # 9780674067165
Book Description hardback. Condition: New. Language: ENG. Seller Inventory # 9780674067165
Book Description Hardback. Condition: New. New copy - Usually dispatched within 4 working days. Bioluminescence is everywhere on earth--most of all in the ocean, from angler fish in the depths to flashing dinoflagellates at the surface. Wilson and Hastings explore the natural history, evolution, and biochemistry of the diverse array of organisms that emit light and offer an evolutionary explanation for their sporadic distribution and rarity. Seller Inventory # B9780674067165
Book Description Condition: new. Seller Inventory # e30f0a7ea4c6e807eb047a19bff6c2a1
Book Description Condition: New. Seller Inventory # 17855916-n
Book Description Condition: New. Bioluminescence is everywhere on earth--most of all in the ocean, from angler fish in the depths to flashing dinoflagellates at the surface. Wilson and Hastings explore the natural history, evolution, and biochemistry of the diverse array of organisms that emit light and offer an evolutionary explanation for their sporadic distribution and rarity. Num Pages: 208 pages, 74 color illustrations, 3 halftones, 11 line illustrations, 6 graphs. BIC Classification: PSAJ; PSB. Category: (G) General (US: Trade). Dimension: 209 x 164 x 22. Weight in Grams: 720. . 2013. Hardcover. . . . . Seller Inventory # V9780674067165
Book Description HRD. Condition: New. New Book. Shipped from UK. Established seller since 2000. Seller Inventory # WH-9780674067165
Book Description Condition: New. In. Seller Inventory # ria9780674067165_new