This Journal of Bacteriology scholarly article reports that symbiotic Vibrio fischeri (bacteria within the squid Euprymna scolopes) display reduced luminescence when cultured away from the light organ association. The article shows that the primary cause of reduced luminescence is the underproduction by these bacteria of luciferase autoinducer, a molecule involved in the transcriptional regulation of the lux operon, and concludes that some condition(s) specific to the internal environment of the light organ is necessary for maximal autoinduction of luminescence in the symbionts. A link to the full-text PDF version is included.
Subject: Biology:Ecology:Symbiotic Relations:Mutualism, Biology:Ecology:Habitats:Marine, Water Column, Biology:Microbiology, Molecular Biology Resource Type: Scientific Resources:Research Results Grade Level: Graduate/Professional, College Upper (15-16), College Lower (13-14) Theme: Teach the Earth:Course Topics:Ecology
