VB
Vikas Bhardwaj
Medical Technologist, AIIMS New Delhi
Updated: Apr 16, 2026
**Core Concept**
The question tests the understanding of **bioluminescence** and **fluorescence** in transgenic organisms. Bioluminescence is the production and emission of light by living organisms, whereas fluorescence is the absorption and re-emission of light at a different wavelength.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The plant with the fire fly **luciferase** gene will glow in the dark because luciferase catalyzes a reaction that produces light, resulting in bioluminescence. This reaction involves the oxidation of **luciferin**, resulting in an excited state that releases energy as light when it returns to its ground state.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** A fluorescent pigment requires an external light source to absorb and re-emit light, so it will not glow in the dark without illumination.
**Option C and D:** Without specific details on what these options entail, the focus remains on the principle that bioluminescence, like that from luciferase, is necessary for glowing in the dark.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Remember that bioluminescence is a critical tool in molecular biology for reporting gene expression, and **luciferase** is commonly used for this purpose due to its ability to produce a detectable signal.
**Correct Answer:** D. The plant with the fire fly luciferase gene.