Bioluminescence

Context:

Recently, Chennai recently experienced a captivating natural spectacle as bioluminescent waves illuminated its coastline, drawing the attention of both residents and tourists.

About Bioluminescence:

• It is a natural phenomenon produced by certainmarine organisms, primarily microscopicplankton called dinoflagellates.
• These planktons emit light on the ocean surface at night.
• Bioluminescence is widespread among deep sea animals in general.
• Many marine creatures like sponges, jellyfish, worms, species of fish, anthropods, echinoderms and unicellular alga exhibit bioluminescence to either evade predators, attract prey or during mating.
• This occurs when theluciferase enzyme reacts with the luciferincompound in the presence of oxygen to produce a cold light.
• This is widespread in lagoons and sometimes breakwaters and is particularly visibleduring warm weather conditions.
• The dinoflagellates follow a circadian cycle (24-hour cycle) and as a result this phenomenon occurs during the night which is visible in low light conditions.
• This unique phenomenon has been visible in some other beaches in India including Havelock Island in the Andamans, Thiruvanmiyur beach in Chennai, Mattu beach in Karnataka and Bangaram Island in Lakshadweep.