Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

Hello!

We wanted to do a science fair project on how the light produced by bioluminescent organisms (specifically bacteria -Vibrio or Photobacterium- or dinoflagellates) at night affect the growth of marine plants (sea lettuce or deep water seaweed).

Of course, we have to take into account whether this is a feasible topic and if there is enough constant light produced through bioluminescence that the plant will grow in response to that. We have tried to research on why organisms will "light up" and how long they are lit but we are finding answers such as quorem-sensing, reaction to disturbance of the cell walls and the lux operon system.

We were wondering if you knew the length of the illumination of bioluminescence produced by either Vibrio or dinoflagellates.

Thanks H&A

These links may be of use.

https://scripps.ucsd.edu/labs/mlatz/bio ... inescence/

https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science- ... background

Okay, thank you, that first link was very helpful!

I have tried as well, but was there anything you could find on Vibrio fischeri and the length of its glow?

Thanks!

I think it would be very difficult to control how much bioluminescent is produced by the dinoflagellates, so trying to use the bioluminescence to measure plant growth would be problematic. Dinoflagellates, though, are quite interesting. Maybe consider varying the physical nature of the water or nutrients in the water to see the effect of the amount of bioluminescence. Have you considered how you will measure the bioluminescence?

Good luck with your project.
DrAJ