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luciferin (loo-SIF-er-in) - n., any of a class of light-emitting heterocyclic compounds found in organisms that cause bioluminescence.
Whcih emit a nearly heatless light when oxidized. There seems to be disagreement over whether to include all bioluminescent compounds in the definition, or only those that act in conjunction with an enzyme called luciferase (with each luciferin having a different luciferase). There are many types of luciferin, each with a characteristic color of light. Coined in 1888 from Latin lūcifer, light-bringing (as well as the morning star).
---L.
Whcih emit a nearly heatless light when oxidized. There seems to be disagreement over whether to include all bioluminescent compounds in the definition, or only those that act in conjunction with an enzyme called luciferase (with each luciferin having a different luciferase). There are many types of luciferin, each with a characteristic color of light. Coined in 1888 from Latin lūcifer, light-bringing (as well as the morning star).
---L.
