GHIRADELLA, Helen; The University at Albany: The mystery of firefly flash control

Over decades of study, researchers have worked out the basic anatomy, biochemistry, and neuropharmacology of lanterns of those fireflies that can flash, turning the lantern sharply on and off. However, the actual mechanism by which this turning on and off is controlled remains elusive. The distinctive anatomy of the lantern (the nerves synapse in the tracheal system rather than on the light emitting cells, the photocytes, and tracheal system and photocytes are highly modified) and the kinetics of the flash reaction have suggested that flash control may involve control of oxygen access to the photocyte. Recent studies have proposed plausible models of oxygen control, one model based on the interaction of nitric oxide with lantern mitochondria, and another on osmotic control of oxygen transport within the tracheal system. Both models have opened new avenues of thought about the system, but there remain aspects of lantern structure as yet unaddressed by current theories. A review of these questions may be a first step toward shedding light on this subject.