Understanding Bioluminescence in Dinoflagellates—How Far Have We Come?

Microorganisms

Martha Valiadi¹ 

[1] Department of Evolutionary Ecology, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology, August-Thienemann-Strasse, Plӧn 24306, Germany

关键词: diel rhythms;    functional diversity;    luciferase;    luciferin binding protein;    gene;    evolution;    ecology;    scintillon;    predation defense;   

DOI  :  10.3390/microorganisms1010003

来源: mdpi

【 摘 要 】

Some dinoflagellates possess the remarkable genetic, biochemical, and cellular machinery to produce bioluminescence. Bioluminescent species appear to be ubiquitous in surface waters globally and include numerous cosmopolitan and harmful taxa. Nevertheless, bioluminescence remains an enigmatic topic in biology, particularly with regard to the organisms’ lifestyle. In this paper, we review the literature on the cellular mechanisms, molecular evolution, diversity, and ecology of bioluminescence in dinoflagellates, highlighting significant discoveries of the last quarter of a century. We identify significant gaps in our knowledge and conflicting information and propose some important research questions that need to be addressed to advance this research field.

【 授权许可】

CC BY   
© 2013 by the authors; licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.