Abstract
The paper introduces and explains bioluminescence, a capability found in various deep sea species towards the generation of usually blue-green light by way of a unique processes. The paper explains that this capability arises independently in 30 or so evolutionary patterns. The paper addresses the implications of bioluminescence and looks at the scientific applications that make use of capable bacteria/small organisms whose light generating ability alters in response to chemical changes.

From the Paper
"Bioluminescence refers to the production of light within living organisms that is common to many sea animals and a few land species. The process refers to a chemical reaction whereby there is an emission of light by an organism, as can also be reproduced in test-tube scenarios involving a biochemical system derived from an organism. The etymology of the term involves the Greek bios or `living' and the Latin lumen or `light'. The self-production and emission of light by chemical reaction involves a conversation of chemical to light energy that..."

Tags:bioluminescence, deep sea, implications

Abstract
The paper discusses fireflies, soft-bodied insects who inhabit temperate and tropical environments. The paper describes their characteristics, how they produce light and how this bioluminescence has an important role in the male beetles.

From the Paper
"Fireflies are soft-bodied insects inhabiting temperate and tropical environments. They belong to the Lampyridae family. Today more than 2000 species of fireflies have been described. The elytra, or shard, on fireflies is more leathery than on other species of beetles. The size of fireflies is small to medium and there are different coloured species in existence. Fireflies' larvae can usually be found in wooded areas and around ponds, marshes or other bodies of water."

Tags:luciferin, luciferase, antioxidant, species, larvae, elytra

Abstract
This paper examines the historic records, biology, life cycle, habitat, and reproduction of ostracodes. The paper also discusses the bioluminescence exhibited by ostracodes and explains how it is produced.

From the Paper
"Ostracodes are small bivalve crustaceans, some of which drift along the ocean's surface with other plankton and some of which lie near the bottom of the ocean. They have been around since the Cambrian age, according to the fossil record."

Tags:ostracodes, luciferase, luciferin, bioluminescence

Abstract
The small Hawaiian squid Euprymna scolopes and the planktonic bacterium Vibrio fischerii are partners in a rather intriguing symbiotic association. The squid harbors the bioluminescent - literally, glowing - bacteria within a small chamber on its underside, providing protection for the squid via a phenomenon known as counter-illumination. This paper provides a general survey of the symbiosis, its mechanisms and its biology and describes ongoing research into the biological system.

From the Paper
"The Hawaiian islands and the waters surrounding them teem with the activities of life. Species native to Hawaii's offshore area run a veritable gamut from microscopic plankton- small, free-floating organisms, including some bacterial species- to a wealth of relatively large animal species. Even in such a biologically diverse environment, however, it is fair to say that the small squid Euprymna scolopes is, as the proverbial saying goes, the little fish in a big pond."

Tags:bacteriology, mollusks, Cephalopoda