The Green Glow
· Animal Team
In the vast, enigmatic depths of the ocean, countless creatures of various shapes and colors thrive. Among them, jellyfish stand out, capturing the fascination of many with their unique shapes and mysterious characteristics.
One particular species, known for its captivating luminescence, is the Aequorea victoria. This jellyfish boasts a natural "special effect," thanks to the green fluorescent protein it contains.
This protein enables the jellyfish to emit a charming green fluorescence, making it appear like a fluorescent dancer gliding gracefully through the ocean.
The name Aequorea Victoria exudes a sense of elegance and mystery, perfectly fitting this remarkable creature. Its body is transparent or translucent, soft, and elastic, allowing it to blend seamlessly into its aquatic surroundings. In the dark ocean, the green fluorescence emitted by the Aequorea victoria resembles stars scattered across the night sky, adding a touch of enchantment to the deep sea.
But how does the Aequorea victoria emit this mesmerizing green fluorescence? The secret lies in the green fluorescent protein (GFP) contained within its body. When excited, this protein absorbs energy and converts it into green fluorescence.
As the Aequorea victoria swims through the water, these fluorescent proteins act as tiny light sources, continuously emitting green light. This constant glow makes the jellyfish particularly striking in the darkness, a beacon of bioluminescent beauty.
In addition to GFP, the Aequorea victoria also contains a protein called aequorin. When disturbed, aequorin initially emits blue light.
This blue light is then converted into green light by the GFP, creating the jellyfish's distinctive green fluorescence. This bioluminescent mechanism allows the Aequorea victoria to respond to external stimuli in a unique and visually stunning manner.
Contrastingly, another jellyfish known as the fireworks jellyfish, despite its colourful name, does not emit light on its own. The fireworks jellyfish displays its beauty by reflecting the surrounding light.
When shining, its body surface reflects a kaleidoscope of colours, akin to fireworks exploding in the night sky. However, this dazzling display is entirely dependent on external light sources, unlike the intrinsic luminescence of the Aequorea victoria.
The luminous properties of the Aequorea victoria are not only breathtaking but also hold significant value in biological research.
By studying this jellyfish, scientists have gained profound insights into the luminescence mechanisms of fluorescent proteins and the physiological responses of jellyfish to external stimuli. These research findings have far-reaching implications, offering new perspectives and methodologies in fields such as biomedicine and materials science.