Terrestrial Bioluminescence: A Review of the Biochemical Mechanisms, Ecological Functions, and Synthetic Applications in Fungi, Insects, and Plants

“Terrestrial Bioluminescence: A Review of the Biochemical Mechanisms, Ecological Functions, and Synthetic Applications in Fungi, Insects, and Plants” explores the rare but fascinating phenomenon of light production on land. While bioluminescence is abundant in marine environments, it has evolved independently only in select terrestrial groups, including fungi, insects, and, more recently, synthetically engineered plants.This paper reviews the biochemical foundations of terrestrial bioluminescence, focusing on luciferin–luciferase systems and their unique pathways, such as the fungal caffeic acid cycle and the ATP-dependent D-luciferin system in fireflies. It further examines the ecological roles of light production, from spore dispersal in fungi to courtship signaling in fireflies and predatory lures in glow-worms.Beyond natural systems, the study highlights advances in synthetic biology, particularly the successful engineering of self-sustaining glowing plants using fungal gene pathways. These developments showcase the potential of bioluminescence in biotechnology, ranging from ornamental horticulture to biosensing and medical applications.By comparing such diverse systems, the paper emphasizes the convergent evolution of bioluminescence on land and underscores its growing importance in both ecological understanding and technological innovation.