This book, written by a distinguished scientist in the field, provides a comprehensive overview of the biochemical aspects of all luminous organisms currently known. It is the first and only book that provides chemical information on all known bioluminescence systems, in a single volume. Some 35 different types of bioluminescence organisms are discussed in 10 chapters. The descriptions include: a history of the discovery of luminescence substances such as luciferins, luciferases and photoproteins; the process of research, explaining how luminescent substances have been isolated and purified; the properties of luminescent substances; and the reaction modes and mechanisms involved, as interpreted currently. Important experimental data and graphs are included in the book, making time-consuming reference searches almost unnecessary. Helpful advice for experimentalists is given in an appendix.
This book is an authoritative monograph on the recent progresses in the chemistry of bioluminescence. The book provides a comprehensive overview on the past and the latest development in understanding the biochemical mechanisms on some 35 different types of luminous organisms, together with information helpful to students and researchers in an Appendix. It is the first and only book that provides chemical information on all currently known bioluminescence systems. Dr Shimomura is the leading practitioner in the field for the past half century, and is best known for his discovery of the jellyfish photoprotein aequorin and the green fluorescent protein. This book is the bible of bioluminescence, and is "a must read," not only for the students who study bioluminescence but also for those who work in various aspects relating to bioluminescence. This book will be an important source of chemical knowledge on bioluminescence for a long period of time in future.
Fully revised since its publication in 2006, it now incorporates the most recent advances in the subject area. A new section on "Green Fluorescent Protein" has been added at the end of Chapter 4. It contains an extensive reference section.
