Bioluminescence the emission of light by living organisms is a fascinating phenomenon that has enchanted children and challenged those who have tried to fully understand it. Fireflies are examples of bioluminescent beetles capable of emitting light of various colors from green to red. The basic biochemistry of the firefly light emission process has many practical applications including drug development, clinical trials and food testing. This project will investigate the key firefly protein called luciferase that is responsible for the extraordinary biochemical light process. The research is designed to identify important components of firefly luciferase and to determine how specific amino acids work together to efficiently produce light of varying color. Molecular biology techniques will be used to create and evaluate new luciferase proteins. The results should contribute to a better understanding of firefly bioluminescence and the fundamental process by which living organisms convert chemical energy into light. The elucidation of the light-emitting process of firefly luciferase is important to the continued development of significant useful applications. Additionally, a better understanding of the firefly luciferase structure-function properties is important to fundamental biochemical processes with significant practical applications extending beyond the realm of bioluminescence. This project will be carried out at Connecticut College, a liberal arts college with a strong commitment to undergraduate research experiences. Previous bioluminescence work directed by the principal investigator for approximately 25 years has been highly appealing to undergraduate students. Professional and students participants in this project will be involved in modern mainstream biochemical and molecular biology research. It is expected that student participants will become scientists well prepared for entry into graduate programs and professional scientific careers.
