THE FLUORESCENT PRODUCT OF SCALEWORM BIOLUMINESCENT REACTION: AN IN VITRO STUDY

Abstract— The fluorescence of scaleworms has been attributed by Harvey (1952) to a product of the bioluminescent reaction confined in the scales of these worms. We have purified this fluorescent molecule by gel filtration. This compound has an apparent low molecular weight as shown by polyacrylamide gel clectrophoresis in the presence of SDS. The yield of the fluorescent product, after gel filtration, varies with the stimulation of the bioluminescence, triggered either chemically or enzymatically. The fluorescence spectrum of the purified product is similar to the one observed in vivo , with a maximum centered at 520 nm. Consequently, the fluorescent compound isolated is likely the reaction product of the bioluminescent reaction.