Symbiotic Bioluminescence

Resource Type
Description
This tutorial describes the symbiosis between the Hawaiian bobtail squid and bioluminescent bacteria.
The Hawaiian bobtail squid (Euprymna scolopes) has a remarkable relationship with Aliivibrio fischeri (formerly Vibrio fischeri), a species of marine bacteria that can produce light through a controlled chemical reaction. The part of the squid that houses the bacteria, called the light organ, is similar to the eye. In this Click & Learn, students explore the light organ’s structure and function, how bacteria communicate to produce light, and general concepts related to symbiotic relationships.
Estimated Time
Key Terms
bacteria, camouflage, confocal microscopy, countershading, light detection, marine biology, mutualism, quorum sensing, symbiosis
Terms of Use
Please see the Terms of Use for information on how this resource can be used.
Version History
HS-LS1.A, HS-LS2.A, HS-LS4.C
ENE-3.D, ENE-4.A, ENE-4.B, ENE-4.C, IST-2.D, IST-5.A, SYI-1.G
4.1, C.1
Topic(s): 1.1, 1.3
Learning Objectives & Practices: ERT-1.A, ERT-1.C
2.1
CC2, CC5