Word: luciferin
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Dates: during 1940-1949
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Emission of light by living things is a chemical reaction requiring oxygen. Many luminescent creatures secrete an easily oxidizable compound, luciferin, which is oxidized with the help of an enzyme, luciferase. The exact chemical nature of luciferin and luciferase varies from species to species-firefly luciferin, for example, is no good when mixed with luciferase from worms. The reaction may occur in special gland cells, or the animal may eject luminous material. Some deep-sea squid throw off luminous puffs to confuse attackers, but this dodge is not always effective...