Bioluminescence is emission of light from living organisms,
without appreciable heat. The light results from a chemical reaction mediated
by enzymes (see Enzyme) and involving specialized phosphorus-containing
molecules in the organisms. Bioluminescence is found in species of bacteria,
algae, fungi, and invertebrate animals. Some deep-sea fish are equipped with
organs that produce luminescence to which prey is attracted. The flashes
emitted by male and female fireflies are used as species-specific signals for
mating.
(Encarta encyclopedia)
