Model Compounds in the Study of Bioluminescence

Abstract

The problems presented by the phenomenon of bioluminescence span a uniquely fascinating range. Some of the more obvious concern the evolution of light production in organisms from both chemical and biological points of view, the nature of the molecules involved, the chemical and physical mechanisms of light emission and the role of the enzyme. We believe that although the discovery of bioluminescence is understandably easy, the difficulty of finding sufficient material and the novelty of the reactions taking place, make a thorough study of model reactions absolutely essential to a proper investigation. Almost all the questions above can at least be partially answered by such an approach, and we feel that some of our work briefly described here, demonstrates its usefulness.