2006-08-01 03:23:45 · 14 answers · asked by ? 4 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Biology
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 wavelength of light given off is between 510 and 670 nanometers (pale yellow to reddish green color).
2006-08-01 11:26:16 · answer #1 · answered by plantladywithcfids 4 · 7⤊ 2⤋
Fireflies produce a chemical reaction inside their bodies that allows them to light up. This type of light production is called bioluminescence. The method by which fireflies produce light is perhaps the best known example of bioluminescence. When oxygen combines with calcium, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and the chemical luciferin in the presence of luciferase, a bioluminescent enzyme, light is produced. Unlike a light bulb, which produces a lot of heat in addition to light, a firefly's light is “cold light,” without a lot of energy being lost as heat. This is necessary because if a firefly's light-producing organ got as hot as a light bulb, the firefly would not survive the experience. As to why they do it for the most part it is to warn of predators of their distastful flavor. And it has also been noted that they use it for mating. A higher flash pattern creates a morew attractive male.
2006-08-01 03:32:45 · answer #2 · answered by Joe Holloway 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Fireflies produce light via a chemical reaction consisting of Luciferin (a substrate) combined with Luciferase (an enzyme), ATP (adenosine triphosphate) and oxygen. When these components are added, light is produced.
2006-08-01 15:36:37 · answer #3 · answered by Snoopy2000 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it's some chemicals that's at the end of a firefly that makes it light up at night
2006-08-01 16:50:44 · answer #4 · answered by why me? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A light sensitive chemical
2006-08-01 14:27:59 · answer #5 · answered by Sherry K 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is actually a mix of chemicals contained within the abdomen. They are released and combined everytime the insect intends to make its luminescent signal.
2006-08-01 03:32:37 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
they have chemicals and when they mix together they cause a chemical reation which causes them to light up. The reason why they flash is because they stop one type of chemical so that it can't light up anymore!
ps did you know that their lights don't give off heat??
2006-08-01 13:41:09 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
phorporus inside the little bug causes it to light up
2006-08-01 15:57:12 · answer #8 · answered by garythenewf33 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it light up because of the chemical reaction called bioluminescence.
2006-08-01 17:35:52 · answer #9 · answered by Floridablanca 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
bio luminescence.chemical reactions give off intermittent light.does not produce heat
2006-08-01 12:31:35 · answer #10 · answered by jim dobre 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋