Low oxygen is optimal for luciferase synthesis in some bacteria. Ecological implications.

The synthesis of the bioluminescent systems in many strains of two species of the genus Photobacterium which were isolated as symbionts is greater at low oxygen concentrations, where aerobic growth is blocked. In strains of two other species, one Photobacterium of symbiotic orgin, and one (genus Beneckea) whose lent response is observed. At low oxygen concentrations, where there is an inhibition of growth, there is also a similar decrease in the synthesis of the luminescent system. These species-specific differences may indicate important ecological differences along with distinctive differences in the molecular control mechanisms involved in the synthesis of luciferase.