Aspects of light production by Photobacterium fischeri

Studies of luminescence in growing cultures of Photobacterium fischeri revealed the characteristic kinetics of light emission, including a minimal phase of bacterial light output. A dialyzable substance present in the nutrient broth medium caused this transient inhibition in light production, although this substance did not affect culture growth. Experiments were carried out to determine the mechanism of action and the chemical properties of the inhibitor. The results suggest that the inhibitor may be binding directly to the luciferase molecules.