luciferase
noun
lu·cif·er·ase lü-ˈsi-fə-ˌrās 
-ˌrāz
: an enzyme that catalyzes the oxidation of luciferin
Examples of luciferase in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
This particular form of bioluminescence is caused by a chemical reaction of the substrate luciferin and enzyme luciferase, which combine to emit light. —
Patrick Connolly, Orlando Sentinel, 20 Mar. 2025 An underground glow In fungi, the key step towards bioluminescence occurs when the enzyme luciferase converts light-emitting compound called luciferin into an unstable product. —Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 9 Jan. 2025 This glow is the result of a chemical reaction involving luciferin and luciferase, the very same compounds that make fireflies shine. —Scott Travers, Forbes, 19 Dec. 2024 At that point, the enzyme luciferase (also seen in fireflies) kickstarts a reaction that results in emission of a green glow. —Michael Irving, New Atlas, 1 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for luciferase
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Patrick Connolly, Orlando Sentinel, 20 Mar. 2025 An underground glow In fungi, the key step towards bioluminescence occurs when the enzyme luciferase converts light-emitting compound called luciferin into an unstable product. —Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 9 Jan. 2025 This glow is the result of a chemical reaction involving luciferin and luciferase, the very same compounds that make fireflies shine. —Scott Travers, Forbes, 19 Dec. 2024 At that point, the enzyme luciferase (also seen in fireflies) kickstarts a reaction that results in emission of a green glow. —Michael Irving, New Atlas, 1 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for luciferase
Cite this Entry
“Luciferase.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.grautoblog.com/dictionary/luciferase. Accessed 25 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
luciferase
noun
lu·cif·er·ase lü-ˈsif-ə-ˌrās, -ˌrāz
: an enzyme that catalyzes the oxidation of luciferin
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