Bioluminescent color spectra

Figure 13. Bioluminescent color spectra measured in the Beaufort and Norwegian Seas.

Several mechanisms have been proposed to explain the variations of the bioluminescence color for native and mutant luciferases. According to White at al1 changes in bioluminescence spectra are the result of keto-enol tautomerization of oxyluciferin (LO). The efficiency of this process depends on a correct location of the B, and B2 bases in proximity of the thiazole ring for effective transformation of the ketone form of LO (L0=0) to the enol (LO-OH) which can interact with the B3 base to form enolate-ion (LO-O ). When the Bi base is absent or protonated (e g. at pH < 6.0) bioluminescence of the L0=0 will be observed with Xmax in the red region of the spectrum. At intermediate pH all forms L0=0, LO-OH and (LO-O ) - will be observed in the bioluminescence spectra.2... 

Bioluminescence of firefly luciferin can produce a wide range of colors when catalyzed by different luciferases obtained from various species of fireflies, with their emission maxima ranging from 535 nm (yellow-green) to 638 nm (red). Apparently, each spectrum is emitted from a single emitting species they are not the composites of the yellow-green peak and the red peak (Seliger and McElroy, 1964). 

Figure 10.3 (See color insert) Bioluminescent imaging of a wild-type mouse after implantation of a light emitting bead (with a spectrum similar to that of firefly luciferase) in the pleural space posterior to the right lung (a), in the pleural space anterior to the right lung (h), or anterior to the rih cage (c). The pseudocolor scale is shown and the region of interest (ROI) for photon detection is indicated by a red circle. Detected photon counts are indicated for each ROI.

---