Difference between revisions of "Grow Bioluminescent Algae at Home"
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| − | + | Bioluminescence, which means "living light," occurs in [[Catch a Firefly | fireflies]], certain fungi and fish, and microorganisms like Dinoflagellates, a species of [[Grow Algae | algae]].<ref name="rf1">http://www.annualreviews.org/eprint/pbWcm4DyqvQGJ7F2qGkc/full/10.1146/annurev-marine-120308-081028</ref> Dinoflagellates in marine environments can multiply rapidly with the right combination of sunlight and nutrients, and when the water around them is agitated their distinctive blue or green glow becomes visible. Since a natural Dinoflagellate "bloom" occurs only rarely, try growing them at home to experience the beauty of bioluminescence. Gather a few materials, set up the appropriate light and temperature conditions, and wait for nighttime to watch the algae sparkle and glow. | |
| − | [[Category:Indoor and Patio Plants]] | + | [[Category: Indoor and Patio Plants]] |
== Steps == | == Steps == | ||
=== Preparing to Grow Bioluminescent Algae=== | === Preparing to Grow Bioluminescent Algae=== | ||
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=== Growing the Algae and Watching it Luminesce=== | === Growing the Algae and Watching it Luminesce=== | ||
| − | #Set up a light cycle. Dinoflagellates [[Show Oxygen Is a By Product of Photosynthesis | photosynthesize]] during the day, and to do so effectively they need twelve solid hours of light.<ref>http://www.lifesci.ucsb.edu/~biolum/organism/dinohome.html</ref> This can be achieved by allowing the algae to get natural sunlight or controlling the light carefully with a lamp inside a closet or dark room. | + | #Set up a light cycle. Dinoflagellates [[Show Oxygen Is a By Product of Photosynthesis | photosynthesize]] during the day, and to do so effectively they need twelve solid hours of light.<ref name="rf2">http://www.lifesci.ucsb.edu/~biolum/organism/dinohome.html</ref> This can be achieved by allowing the algae to get natural sunlight or controlling the light carefully with a lamp inside a closet or dark room. |
#*If you use a lamp, it should be placed about three feet from the container. Do not place the light directly over the container; this will heat it up and kill the organisms inside. | #*If you use a lamp, it should be placed about three feet from the container. Do not place the light directly over the container; this will heat it up and kill the organisms inside. | ||
#*If you want the algae to luminescent predictably, it is necessary to keep them on a strict light schedule. Turn on the light at the same time in the morning and turn it off at the same time at night (you can use a light timer to help you). The algae's circadian rhythm will synchronize with the light schedule. | #*If you want the algae to luminescent predictably, it is necessary to keep them on a strict light schedule. Turn on the light at the same time in the morning and turn it off at the same time at night (you can use a light timer to help you). The algae's circadian rhythm will synchronize with the light schedule. | ||
#*It is possible to arrange a light schedule so that luminescence occurs during the day. This is useful if you are using it to teach children in a classroom. Set up the grow lamp to shine on the algae overnight, and keep it in a dark closet during the day. | #*It is possible to arrange a light schedule so that luminescence occurs during the day. This is useful if you are using it to teach children in a classroom. Set up the grow lamp to shine on the algae overnight, and keep it in a dark closet during the day. | ||
| − | #Stimulate the algae and watch it glow. Dinoflagellates flash when water or another substances stimulates them by pressing against their cell walls.<ref | + | #Stimulate the algae and watch it glow. Dinoflagellates flash when water or another substances stimulates them by pressing against their cell walls.<ref name="rf2" /> To watch them luminesce, pick up the container and gently swirl the water inside. If they received enough light during the day, they will begin to light up and flash. |
#*Don't shake the container too hard, as it will wear out the dinoflagellates and cause them to stop flashing more quickly. | #*Don't shake the container too hard, as it will wear out the dinoflagellates and cause them to stop flashing more quickly. | ||
#*Don't shake the container too often, since this also causes dinoflagellates to become exhausted. They need a period of recovery after luminescing. | #*Don't shake the container too often, since this also causes dinoflagellates to become exhausted. They need a period of recovery after luminescing. | ||
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== Tips == | == Tips == | ||
*In the wild, wave action or disturbances in the water (mechanical stimulation) cause the algae to bioluminescence. The bioluminescence is believed to be a defense mechanism against predators, a "burglar alarm" that attracts other larger fish to eat the smaller fish that had attempted to feed on the plankton, or startles the predator. | *In the wild, wave action or disturbances in the water (mechanical stimulation) cause the algae to bioluminescence. The bioluminescence is believed to be a defense mechanism against predators, a "burglar alarm" that attracts other larger fish to eat the smaller fish that had attempted to feed on the plankton, or startles the predator. | ||
| − | * If you want to grow a large quantity of algae, [http://www.algabiotics.com/Products.html] and Carolina Biological sells nutrient seawater by the quart (Item# 153754).<ref>Extra growth solution: http://www.carolina.com/product/alga-gro+seawater+medium%2C+1+qt.do (or go to www.carolina.com and enter the item#)</ref> If you want to grow smaller amounts of algae (1.35 fl oz in each container), you can purchase the additional growth solution sold by Empco EDU. | + | * If you want to grow a large quantity of algae, [http://www.algabiotics.com/Products.html] and Carolina Biological sells nutrient seawater by the quart (Item# 153754).<ref name="rf3">Extra growth solution: http://www.carolina.com/product/alga-gro+seawater+medium%2C+1+qt.do (or go to www.carolina.com and enter the item#)</ref> If you want to grow smaller amounts of algae (1.35 fl oz in each container), you can purchase the additional growth solution sold by Empco EDU. |
| − | *If you are performing a science fair project, you can add variables to this experiment.<ref>Experiment variables: http://siobiolum.ucsd.edu/Biolum_demos.html</ref> | + | *If you are performing a science fair project, you can add variables to this experiment.<ref name="rf4">Experiment variables: http://siobiolum.ucsd.edu/Biolum_demos.html</ref> |
== Things You'll Need == | == Things You'll Need == | ||
