Glowworm finding surprises scientists
The University of Otago’s chemistry and biochemistry departments have discovered the New Zealand glowworm has a unique method of producing light.
Dr Miriam Sharpe, who coauthored the university’s report, said New Zealand glowworms produced light using a chemical reaction different to all other glowing creatures, including fireflies. All light made by living creatures comes from chemical reactions that happen in enzymes called luciferases.
‘‘What we have discovered is that the chemical, called a luciferin, which makes light in New Zealand glowworms is unique, not used by any other glowing organism,’’ Sharpe said.
‘‘However, the glowworm luciferase enzyme is related to enzymes already found in other bioluminescent organisms like fireflies. No-one expected that this type of luciferase could make light with more than one kind of luciferin chemical.’’
Fellow researcher Professor Kurt Krause said the chemical could have important uses in the medical biotechnology sector.
‘‘For instance, the light generation taking place in the glowworm’s ‘tail light’ could potentially be used in the laboratory to monitor cancer cells or to help identify infectious diseases,’’ Krause said. ‘‘The chemistry behind some bioluminescent species, such as fireflies, is already used in scientific experiments worldwide. We believe the novel chemistry of the glowworms means their light could be used in similar kinds of experiments.’’
Researcher Professor Nigel Perry said the next step was to synthesise the chemical compound that makes the light in the laboratory.
The research team, which also includes Dr Oliver Watkins, hopes to secure the funding needed to begin this synthesis and continue their work.