Is a generic name for enzymes commonly used in nature for bioluminescence.
Any one of several enzymes that catalyze the bioluminescent reaction in certain marine crustaceans, fish, bacteria, and insects. The enzyme is a flavoprotein; it oxidizes luciferins to an electronically excited compound that emits energy in the form of light. The color of light emitted varies with the organism. The firefly enzyme is a valuable reagent for measurement of ATP concentration.
An enzyme that acts on luciferins to oxidize them and cause bioluminescence. It is present in certain organisms (e.g., fireflies, other insects) that emit light either continuously or intermittently.