| Abstract: | The present trend emphasizes the definitive chemistry of photogens, such as specific luciferins, and of photagogika (the actual light-emitters) rather than indirect evidence concerning components of bioluminescent systems as has been practices for almost a century, resulting in many misleading hypotheses. Recent advances indicate that, contrary to earlier conclusions, chemically identical components characterize divers types of bioluminescent organisms and that the r route to light emission probably always involves a hydroperoxide that, at least in some instances, leads to formation of a dioxytenone ring before decomposition. |
