Bioluminescence and 16th-century Caravaggism

By Yunqiu (Daniel) Wang

Abstract

This case study looks at the probable connection between bioluminescence and Caravaggio's painting style in the 16th century in order to explore the mechanism of bioluminescence and its role in animal evolution and modern medicine. Recent studies have uncovered the precise biochemical mechanism of bioluminescence and have made a number of breakthroughs in understanding the chain of evolutionary events that led to animal species acquiring bioluminescence as a communication tool for reproduction and survival. The case includes several videos created by the author to prepare students in advance for the case study in class. Originally developed for a sophomore level undergraduate biology course, the case could also be used in biochemistry, physiology, or animal behavior courses. Before attempting the case, students should have a basic background in reduction/oxidation reactions in inorganic chemistry, stereoisomerism in organic chemistry, enzymes and their role in chemical reactions, cell structure and organelles, cell communication, cellular respiration, and animal behavior and evolution in general biology.

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Date Posted

9/15/2017

Overview

Objectives

Describe the biosynthetic pathway of firefly luciferin, and understand the concept and value of isomerism in a biological process.
Describe the biochemical mechanism of a firefly bioluminescent reaction.
Explain the role of bioluminescence as an evolutionary inevitability in the survival and development of firefly species.
Practice scientific reasoning and research by designing a line of inquiry or an experiment that could support or falsify the claim made by Dr. Roberta Lupucci that Caravaggio indeed used the bioluminescent powder from crushed fireflies in his chiaroscuro style of painting 400 years ago.

Keywords

Bioluminescence; luciferin; luciferase; Caravaggism; firefly communication; natural selection; Caravaggio; glow; lucibufagins; Lampyridae; Photuris; femmes fatales

Subject Headings

Biology (General)

Chemistry (General)

Evolutionary Biology

EDUCATIONAL LEVEL

Undergraduate lower division, Undergraduate upper division

FORMAT

PDF, PowerPoint

TOPICAL AREAS

N/A

LANGUAGE

English

TYPE/METHODS

Clicker, Discussion, Flipped

Teaching Notes & Answer Key

Teaching Notes

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Teaching notes are intended to help teachers select and adopt a case. They typically include a summary of the case, teaching objectives, information about the intended audience, details about how the case may be taught, and a list of references and resources.

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Answer Key

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Materials & Media

Supplemental Materials

Supplemental materials for this case include: (1) an optional PowerPoint presentation that contains a set of clicker questions that can be used to structure classroom discussion and (2) a podcast produced by Science Friday that instructors may wish to use with the case.

Videos

Bioluminescence and Caravaggism
This video demonstrates Michelangelo Caravaggio’s Chiaroscuro style of painting, and his use of fluorescent firefly powder along with the camera obscura technique to produce his photography-like paintings. Running time: 5:06 min. Created by Y. Wang for the National Center for Case Study Teaching in Science, 2016.
Fireflies and Firefly Bioluminescence
This video provides basic facts about fireflies, a type of nocturnal beetle belonging to the family Lampyridae. The video also provides information on the biochemical process and mechanisms of firefly bioluminescence. Running time: 4:11 min. Created by Y. Wang for the National Center for Case Study Teaching in Science, 2016.
The Biological Function, Control and Application of Bioluminescence
This video presents key concepts and biochemical pathways of bioluminescence, and the evolutionary value of bioluminescence in animal communication and defense. Running time: 9:01 min. Created by Y. Wang for the National Center for Case Study Teaching in Science, 2016.
Supplemental Video: In a Flash: Firefly Communication
Fireflies communicate with a "language of light" that scientists still don't completely understand. In this video, James Lloyd and Marc Branham of the University of Florida, Gainesville, discuss unique flash patterns and times for some of the 2,000 types of fireflies that light up the summer nights. Created by Science Friday. Produced by Emily V. Driscoll. Running Time: 4:32 min. Date: July 3, 2014.