THE MECHANISM OF ULTRA-WEAK LUMINESCENCE IN BIOLOGICAL SYSTEMS
Abstract
The results which have been amassed by now in study of the ultra-weak luminescence of biological systems indicates that the molecular mechanism of this luminescence is of a common nature with the mechanism of luminescence in inverse photochemical reactions. Fundamental to biochemoluminescence is the reaction of oxidation of greatly reduced product (probably an ion-radical) with the subsequent decomposition of peroxide. Storage of peroxides in the living organism is impeded by energy and space barriers, but when these compounds are nevertheless formed by 'short-circuiting' the chain of oxidizing reactions they are enzymatically decomposed with concomitant luminescence.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 24, 1967
- Accession Number
- AD0675593
Entities
People
- F. F. Litvin
- Yu. A. Vladimirov
Organizations
- United States Army Biological Warfare Laboratories