This ASM News article explores biochemistry, genetics, and cell density-dependent regulation of bacterial bioluminescence, addressing the question: What good is it to bioluminescent bacteria? The article reviews the symbiosis between the bioluminescent bacterium Vibrio fischeri and the Hawaiian bobtail squid, and examines how progress in understanding the genetics of V. fischeri, including genomic sequencing of a squid symbiont, is enabling researchers to analyze how luminescence integrates with the physiology of this bacterial species. The article includes a link to a detailed author profile.
Subject: Biology:Ecology:Symbiotic Relations:Mutualism, Biology:Ecology:Principles, Biology:Evolution, Ecology:Habitats:Marine, Biology:Molecular Biology, Microbiology Resource Type: Scientific Resources:Overview/Reference Work Grade Level: Graduate/Professional, College Upper (15-16), College Lower (13-14) Theme: Teach the Earth:Course Topics:EcologyKeyword: Euprymna scolopes
