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Fireflies or lightning bugs make light within their bodies. This process is called bioluminescence and is shared by many other organisms, mostly sea-living or marine organisms. Fireflies light up to attract a mate. To do this, the fireflies contain specialized cells in their abdomen that make light. The cells contain a chemical called luciferin and make an enzyme called luciferase. To make light, the luciferin combines with oxygen to form an inactive molecule called oxyluciferin. The luciferase speeds up the reaction, which occurs in two steps: # The luciferin combines with adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is found in all cells, to form luciferyl adenylate and pyrophosphate (PPi) on the surface of the luciferase enzyme. The luciferyl adenylate remains bound to the enzyme: luciferin + ATP -------------> luciferyl adenylate + PPi# The luciferyl adenylate combines with oxygen to form oxyluciferin and adenosine monophosphate (AMP). Light is given off and the oxyluciferin and AMP are released from the enzimes` surface. luciferyl adenylate + O2 -------------> oxyluciferin +AMP + light
Vincent Hilpert
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Is it the male or female lightning bug that lights up?
lightning
Why do lightning bugs light up?
Lightning bugs make light within their bodies. This process is called bio luminescence and is shared by many other organisms, mostly sea-living or marine organisms. To do this, the lightning bug contain specialized cells in their abdomen that make light.
How do you use the word alighted in a sentence?
To alight means to the Provided with light; lighted up. the lightning bug began to light its tail when it sat on my sholder.
What are lightning bugs?
A lightning bug is a nocturnal beetle common in warm regions having luminescent abdominal organs. Just so you know lightning bugs also fly in the morning they just don't light up.
Why do light bugs light up?
Lightning bugs make light within their bodies. This process is called bio luminescence and is shared by many other organisms, mostly sea-living or marine organisms. To do this, the lightning bug contain specialized cells in their abdomen that make light.
What makes a lightning bug light up and why do they light up?
They light up when the concentration of the enzymes increases.This phenomenon is called as BIO LUMINESCENCE . This can also be seen in the angler fish in the deep oceans.The fish uses this light as a trap for fishes & animals.When the animals comes near the light the fish attacks the prey with its razor sharp fangs.
What insects or bugs light up?
hi, i'm really not sure,but there was a bug in the bushes with two green lights.the lights were on it's back right behind it's head.when i picked it up with a leaf,it played dead.so then i brought it in the shed and put it in a small container with plants.that's all the info i've got---------sorry!
The size of a lightning bug?
up to 1 inch long 2 centimeters thick
How does a lightning bug light up?
Lightning bugs find a resting spot on some shady leaf during the day. They're mainly nocturnal, as they're lights are best seen in the dark, and they communicate using sight.
Can you tell if a lightning bug is a girl or a boy?
There are over 100 pecies of lightning bug or firefly. Different species of firefly have different flashing patterns so members of the same species can recognize each other from a distance. In most firefly species the males flash while flying and the females flash while perched on plants near the ground. When a male who is flying sees a flashing pattern that matches his species that is stationary and low, he'll fly over to it hoping to find a new girl friend.
How do light bug light up?
By the mixing of two chemicals called 'bioluminescence'.
Why are there no lightning bugs in the west?
there are less lightning bugs, because of habitat destruction and light pollution. light pollution is where there is to much artificial lights outside. The artificial lights mess up their signals and they can't find mates. Also, lightning bugs need a good bit of water and tree litter to have babies and survive. Humans are destroying all of the lightning bug habitats.
