What makes fireflies and glow worms luminescent

All light made by living creatures comes from chemical reactions that take place in enzymes called luciferases. Professor Krause says these findings are an important addition to our knowledge of glow-worms and notes that, the chemical that creates their glow could have important uses in the medical biotechnology sector.

The chemistry behind some bioluminescent species, such as fireflies, is already used in scientific experiments world-wide. This is a key step to enable utilization of the glowworm chemistry in any laboratory application.

The research team are now hoping to secure the funding needed to begin this synthesis and to continue their work. They built a raft and, with candles as their only light, they floated into the cave where the stream goes underground.

As their eyes adjusted to the darkness they saw myriad lights reflecting off the water. Looking up they discovered that the ceiling was dotted with the lights of thousands of glow-worms. They returned many times to explore further, and on an independent trip Tane discovered the upper level of the cave and an easier access. The authorities were advised and government surveyors mapped the caves. By Tane Tinorau had opened the cave to tourists. The reading passage has five sections labelled A-E.

Which section contains the following information? Write the correct letter A-E in boxes on your answer sheet. NB You may use any letter more than once. Do the following statements agree with the information given in the reading passage.

In boxes on your answer sheet, write. Please descibe the mistake as details as possible along with your expected correction, leave your email so we can contact with you when needed. Please enter description. Please enter a valid email. Solution for: Glow-worms Answer Table 1.

FALSE 2. TRUE 4. FALSE 5. TRUE 6. TRUE 7. Good thought! Did you find out how from the article? Mar 28, Thanks, Joe! Fireflies are so cool. We are glad you checked this one out! Percy jackson Mar 27, Sup wonders can you do a wonder about greek mithlogley and the gods and stuff?

Sammy May 12, I love this website my kids read something new everyday. May 16, Alexander Beck May 12, It sinctificly explanable. Nov 13, It's the circle of life. It's awesome to want to know though!!! Wonderopolis Jun 23, Jaime Apr 25, This is pretty interesting but needs some more info. Wonderopolis Apr 25, I think it is cool how the fireflies can glow by thinking about it and chiming their glow parts.

I think they help with lighting up the dark sky at night. It is also cool that they are taught how to glow when they are young so they are glow worms. From, Madelyn. Wonderopolis Apr 14, Mushkale Apr 4, I think that if it is possible that we can make cancer cells glow then we can further our cancer research and possibly even We can also use it for Cure and preventing other diseases that spread fast.

There are a lot of flies and fireflies and loads of dragon flies in India. There was this one time that I was riding my bike and I saw a dragon fly and I freaked out. I thought it was a dragon because I was only like 4 or 5 years old at the time. That was in where I live Canada Anyways thanks for the information!

From, Mushkale. Wonderopolis Apr 4, Miss Zook's Kindergarten Apr 4, We learned a lot. Here is what we learned-That fireflies fly. Some people are using fireflies to help with DNA research. Fireflies glow at night.

They blink on and off quickly! They help us to see in the dark. As the insects are drawn to their glowing bioluminescent light, they fly toward it and into the sticky silk maze, where they get stuck for glowworms to eat — similar to how spiders capture their prey in webs.

The species of glowworm that can be found in New Zealand is called Arachnocampa luminosa. They most commonly live in caves , forests and other sheltered, damp areas. In caves, the bioluminescent glowing can happen during both day and night because the habitat is dark. Caves are an ideal environment for glowworms to thrive because they are dark with no wind and damp enough for prey to be present.

Glowworm fact: There are hundreds of glowworms in the Te Anau caves that collectively glitter like stars to create a magical and unforgettable experience. This particular species of glowworm can only be found in New Zealand and parts of Australia.

Glowworms in other parts of the world actually refer to beetles, making our glowworms unique.