What is the phenomenon of bioluminescence?

Bioluminescence is the process through which living organisms produce light, which is the result of a biochemical reaction in which an enzyme called luciferase is commonly involved.

The reaction happens as follows: oxygen oxidizes the substrate (a protein called luciferin); luciferase accelerates the reaction, and ATP provides the energy for the reaction, producing water and light, which is very noticeable at night.

It is a widespread phenomenon at all biological levels: bacteria, fungi, unicellular protists, coelenterates, worms, mollusks, cephalopods, crustaceans, insects, echinoderms, fish, and jellyfish.

In the case of the phosphorescent water of the Puerto Peñasco beach, it was the bioluminescence produced by microalgae or luminous plankton.

Photosynthetic microscopic microorganisms and microalgae can grow autotrophically or heterotrophically. In general, they are highly efficient in fixing CO2 and using solar energy to produce biomass.

The phosphorescent water phenomenon of bioluminescence can be seen on different beaches around the world.

Source: UnoTV.com