Question

Background: I need to write a paper and the theme of this paper is to propose a mechanism for isolation of a group of microorganisms that occupy a unique ecological niche, or has the potential to be used for an interesting industrial application. For my topic for this paper I picked bioluminescence.

Question: What are good examples of specific bioluminescent microorganisms that I can apply for this paper? I only need one specific microorganism but I would appreciate multiple organisms that I can pick from so I can get ideas in my head to start rolling on with this paper.

Answer 1

Bioluminescent microorganisms are pretty common and can be found worldwide. They exist in various ecological niches such as in marine environment ( from water surface to the depth), non-marine and by forming a symbiosis with other organisms.

Some common marine bioluminescent bacteria are Photobacterium logei, Photobacterium phosphoreum, Beneckea splendida, Beneckea harveyi etc. Both Photobacterium and Beneckea live as free-living or often found forming symbiotic relationship with other marine organisms such as fish. B. harveyi are generally found in coastal areas. Another bacteria Aliivibrio fischeri is generally found forming symbiosis with the squid Euprymna scolopes.

Some non-marine bacteria which produce bioluminescence are Vibrio cholerae biotype albensis, Photorhabdus luminescens etc. P. luminescens are found to form symbiosis with nematodes.