Bioluminescence:Natural Energy

Provider

Kenny J. ColónSummer Research

Proposal

Introduction

Process of Bioluminescence

Abstract

• Present evidence of energy transferring from bioluminescent organisms to any other photosynthetic source.

• Develop new ways of using chemical based energy without further mayor consequences.

• Obtaining, observing and studying the interactions and behaviors between samples of bioluminescent and photosynthetic organisms.

Hypothesis

• Demonstrate that the light emitted from a bioluminescent organism is absorbed and processed normally by a photosynthetic organism.

• Prove that the inverse processes of bioluminescence and photosynthesis can occur on a same organism not related with both adaptations at once.

Aims

• Manage to integrate two relative processes in spite their inverse tendencies.

• Deepen the study of the bioluminescent and photosynthetic nature.

• Understand the behavior of these organisms in different stages and phases.

• Notice differences in Dinoflagellates that are exposed to bioluminescent emissions and the ones that are not.

BackgroundBioluminescence is an adaptation that some organisms obtain from the absence of light in their environment. These creatures had to develop ways to adjust their process of producing energy.

Puerto Rico has the three most brilliant “bio bays” of the five that there are in the world. This island has enough ecosystems with bioluminescent presence to study the diversity it hides in comparison.

Methodology

• Visit various “bio bays” and take samples of water with bioluminescent and non-bioluminescent or photosynthetic presence (Dinoflagellates).

• Gather the samples into different environments and observe which adaptation is dominant over the other, jointed and separated respectively.

• Positive Control:– Bioluminescent and non-bioluminescent samples together.

• Negative Control:– Both samples observed separately.

Each group will be analyzed in three different areas depending on the light exposure:

• Complete dark• Outside dark exposure• Intermittent daylight exposure

Expected Results

• The expected results are that the photosynthetic source will obtain enough light energy from the bioluminescent source and would be able to use that energy to synthesize their organic material.

• The bioluminescent source in turn will supplement itself with the oxygen liberated in the photosynthetic process of the non-bioluminescent organisms.

Future Studies

• Deepen the study of luciferin and lucferase components to prove that it can be manipulated to non-bioluminescent organisms.