What causes firefly to glow?

Answer 1

Luciferase.

Luciferases are enzymes that emit light. A diverse group of organisms use luciferase-mediated bioluminescence to startle predators or to attract prey or mates. The luciferase from the North American firefly releases green light during the oxidation of its chemical substrate, luciferin. Other organisms, including plants, that express the luciferase (LUC) gene will also glow faintly green when supplied with luciferin.

Answer 2

Neurobiologist Dr. Barry A. Trimmer was the lead author of a paper in the journal Science in which he finally revealed the secret of what makes a firefly glow.

The secret is nitric oxide. This is a dissolved gas that lets the firefly's nervous system switch on its flash of light. Most firelies produce short, rhythmic flashes.

In a complex arrangement between nerve cells, light-producing cells, and an enzyme-assisted reaction, the firefly's lantern emits that greenish glow so common in the early summer twilight in some parts of the world.

courtesy : http://www.users.bigpond.com/rdoolan/firefly.html

Answer 3

In a particular structure in their abdomens, fireflys produce a chemical compound called luciferin and an enzyme called luciferase. When these two are combined in the presence of ATP, a chemical reaction occurs which uses the energy of ATP and oxygen to produce light. The article below gives more information about bioluminescence in fireflys and other organisms.

Answer 4

cells in the firefly's tail produce something called luciferase enzyme, which drives a chemical reaction which creates light.

they glow to attract a mate, as well as to avoid predators. Thats a twofer! :)

Answer 5

The same bottomline reason everything is ultimately done by any biological being - to procreate. The glow is a chemical signal to attract a mate.

Answer 6

Some chemical reaction,with make them glow as in the night there is no light.Then the chemical reaction start.

Answer 7

Some chemical reaction, but what causes them to make the long green streak when you squish them under your foot? Oh, there are millions of them, try it out with a few, it's fun.

Answer 8

Organs in their abdomen emit light. I think it's some sort of chemical reaction.

Answer 9

chemical reaction

Answer 10

electricity