| luciferase | <enzyme> An enzyme from firefly tails that catalyses the production of light in the reaction between luciferin and ATP. Used by the male firefly for producing light to attract females and used in the laboratory in a chemiluminescence bioassay for ATP. (18 Nov 1997) |
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| luciferases | Enzymes present in certain luminous organisms that act to bring about the oxidation of luciferins; energy produced in the process is liberated as bioluminescence; such enzymes can be used to detect very low concentrations of metabolites. Origin: L. Lux, light + fero, to bear (05 Mar 2000) |