Experimental Support for a Single Electron-Transfer Oxidation Mechanism in Firefly Bioluminescence.

Bruce R Branchini, Curran E Behney, Tara L Southworth, Danielle M Fontaine, Andrew M Gulick, David J Vinyard, Gary W Brudvig

June 2015

Synopsis of Social media discussions

Many discussions mention the role of superoxide in bioluminescence and highlight Dr. Chappelle's innovative microbial test, illustrating interest in both the scientific process and its real-world applications. The tone varies from informational to skeptical, with phrases like 'no that picture is photoshopped,' which adds a conversational and somewhat skeptical dimension, reflecting a balanced perception of impact and depth.

A
Agreement
 Neither agree nor disagree

The discussions show mixed opinions; some acknowledge the scientific relevance while others debate details, indicating neutrality overall.

I
Interest
 Moderate level of interest

Participants express moderate curiosity, especially with references to Emmett Chappelle’s contributions and applications like microbial detection on other planets.

E
Engagement
 Moderate level of engagement

Posts include references to specific scientists and their inventions, such as the test for microbes, and mention of the article’s focus on mechanism, showing a reasonable level of discussion depth.

I
Impact
 Moderate level of impact

Some exchanges highlight potential applications and broader significance, like bioluminescence understanding and extraterrestrial life detection, suggesting a modest perceived impact.

Social Mentions

YouTube

5 Videos

Facebook

5 Posts

Twitter

12 Posts

News

10 Articles

Metrics

Video Views

150,516

Total Likes

3,278

Extended Reach

283,458

Social Features

32

Timeline: Posts about article

Top Social Media Posts

Posts referencing the article

Understanding Firefly Bioluminescence and Its Chemical Mechanism

Understanding Firefly Bioluminescence and Its Chemical Mechanism

Fireflies produce their glow through a series of oxidation reactions catalyzed by luciferase. Bruce Branchini and Yale researchers recreated this process in the lab, revealing insights into bioluminescence mechanisms with potential medical applications.

American Chemical Society

July 21, 2015

76,559 views

Emmett Chappelle's Microbial Detection Test and Its Applications

Emmett Chappelle's Microbial Detection Test and Its Applications

Dr. Emmett Chappelle developed a test to find living microbes on other planets and has found many applications for it here on Earth.

SciShow Space

May 25, 2021

66,138 views

Supporting a Single Electron-Transfer Mechanism in Firefly Bioluminescence

Supporting a Single Electron-Transfer Mechanism in Firefly Bioluminescence

Firefly luciferase converts luciferin into oxyluciferin, producing light via oxidation reactions. Evidence suggests a superoxide anion's role in this process, supporting a single electron-transfer oxidation mechanism common in bioluminescence systems.

American Chemical Society

July 1, 2015

7,647 views

Firefly Bioluminescence: Chemistry and Medical Applications

Firefly Bioluminescence: Chemistry and Medical Applications

Melissa and Jam explore the chemistry behind fireflies bioluminescence, focusing on the oxidation reactions involving luciferin and luciferase. They discuss how this mechanism finds applications in scientific research such as tumor detection in mice.

Chemistry For Your Life Podcast

August 22, 2025

146 views

Understanding Shooting Stars: Science Behind Meteor Glows

Understanding Shooting Stars: Science Behind Meteor Glows

Melissa and Jam explore the science behind shooting stars, explaining how space rocks heat up and glow upon entering Earth's atmosphere. They discuss meteors, meteoroids, and meteorites, sharing fascinating facts about colorful meteors, amino acids in space, and space ethics.

Chemistry For Your Life Podcast

September 4, 2025

27 views

  • RAUL
    @RAUL429 (Twitter)

    de la luciérnaga. DOI: 10.1021/jacs.5b03820 Foto: Instituto Smithsoniano
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    September 5, 2023

  • Romanos 14-11
    @PedroJobRom (Twitter)

    @InformaCosmos Soporte experimental para un mecanismo de oxidación por transferencia de electrones único en la bioluminiscencia de luciérnagas | Revista de la Sociedad Química Estadounidense https://t.co/cJhVoeklwS
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    August 26, 2023

  • #TheSpiderHunter - Black History Is Important!
    @Arthur59611540 (Twitter)

    Notable Black Scientists! The Glow of Life | Great Minds: Emmett Chappelle https://t.co/Exs6IKuEN5 via @YouTube
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    February 9, 2023

  • Elise Larsson
    @EliseLarsson (Twitter)

    The Glow of Life | Great Minds: Emmett Chappelle https://t.co/UH2KhAkpDb via @YouTube #BHM #Science
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    March 13, 2022

  • Kwesi Peters
    @KwesiPeters (Twitter)

    The Glow of Life | Great Minds: Emmett Chappelle https://t.co/od44YYRhAA via @YouTube
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    June 2, 2021

  • nikolas
    @Miki314 (Twitter)

    The Glow of Life | Great Minds: Emmett Chappelle https://t.co/6QMpTh6Y8t przez @YouTube
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    May 27, 2021

    1

    1

  • Charles Ikenna
    @CharlesIkenna23 (Twitter)

    The Glow of Life | Great Minds: Emmett Chappelle https://t.co/UP3rI3CaFE via @YouTube
    view full post

    May 27, 2021

    1

    1

  • Corine
    @FloatingIsland (Twitter)

    The Glow of Life | Great Minds: Emmett Chappelle https://t.co/Mef9wqFWnw via @YouTube
    view full post

    May 26, 2021

    1

  • Asta Muratti
    @AstaMuratti (Twitter)

    RT @SciShow: Dr. Emmett Chappelle invented a test to find living microbes on other planets, and while it hasn't yet been used to find life…
    view full post

    May 25, 2021

    3

  • William Wallace
    @bill14051 (Twitter)

    RT @SciShow: Dr. Emmett Chappelle invented a test to find living microbes on other planets, and while it hasn't yet been used to find life…
    view full post

    May 25, 2021

    3

  • SciShow
    @SciShow (Twitter)

    Dr. Emmett Chappelle invented a test to find living microbes on other planets, and while it hasn't yet been used to find life amongst the stars, we've found many applications for it here on Earth. https://t.co/CHJ5hbD2tw https://t.co/uoAkuH2GDv
    view full post

    May 25, 2021

    18

    3

  • Kimmie
    @iamkimmie25 (Twitter)

    @Hookzilla No that particular picture is photoshopped. But here is how they actually glow. https://t.co/0L0F4j3duL
    view full post

    December 9, 2019

Abstract Synopsis

  • Firefly luciferase converts beetle luciferin into oxyluciferin, producing light through a series of oxidation reactions.
  • The oxidation process begins with the formation of a carbanion intermediate and involves a hydroperoxide anion.
  • Evidence suggests that a superoxide anion plays a role in this reaction, indicating that this electron-transfer pathway might be common in various bioluminescence systems without the need for cofactors.