Identify the name of an organism which shows bioluminescence from the following?

Appeared in: KPSC Staff Nurse - 2015

Explanation

Ctenoplana is an organism belonging to the phylum Ctenophora, commonly known as comb jellies.
A defining characteristic of many ctenophores is bioluminescence, which is the ability to produce and emit light.
This light is generated through a chemical reaction involving a substrate called luciferin and an enzyme called luciferase.

Option B: Spongilla is a freshwater sponge belonging to the phylum Porifera. Sponges are simple, multicellular filter-feeders and lack the specialized cells and chemical pathways required for bioluminescence.
Option C: The Liver fluke (Fasciola hepatica) is a parasitic flatworm from the phylum Platyhelminthes. Its biology is adapted for a parasitic lifestyle inside a host, and it does not possess the ability to produce light.
Option D: Asterias, commonly known as a starfish, belongs to the phylum Echinodermata. While some deep-sea echinoderms can produce light, the common genus Asterias is not bioluminescent.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Bioluminescence in Animal Kingdom as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
While bioluminescence in marine animals is not directly clinical, the underlying chemical principle is used in healthcare for hygiene monitoring.
ATP (adenosine triphosphate) bioluminescence systems use the luciferin-luciferase reaction to detect the presence of organic matter on surfaces. A swab is used to collect a sample, and the light produced is measured in Relative Light Units (RLUs).
This provides a rapid and objective measure of surface cleanliness, helping to prevent healthcare-associated infections (HAIs).

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key term in the question: 'bioluminescence'. This means the ability of an organism to produce its own light.
Second, consider each option and recall its biological classification (phylum).
Ctenoplana is a ctenophore (comb jelly).
Spongilla is a poriferan (sponge).
Liver fluke is a platyhelminth (flatworm).
Asterias is an echinoderm (starfish).

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Medicine Harrison 22e Part 2 p. 1628-1630

E6 Microbiology Applied AnjuDhir 3e Part 2 p. 55-57

Practise the full KPSC Staff Nurse - 2015

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.