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A photocyte is a cell that specializes in catalyzing enzymes to produce light (bioluminescence).[1] Photocytes typically occur in select layers of epithelial tissue, functioning singly or in a group, or as part of a larger apparatus (a photophore). They contain special structures termed as photocyte granules. These specialized cells are found in a range of multicellular animals including ctenophora, coelenterates (cnidaria), annelids, arthropoda (including insects) and fishes. Although some fungi are bioluminescent, they do not have such specialized cells.[1]
- ^ a b Lake JA, Clark MW, Henderson E, Fay SP, Oakes M, Scheinman A, et al. (June 1985). "Eubacteria, halobacteria, and the origin of photosynthesis: the photocytes". Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America. 82 (11): 3716–3720. Bibcode:1985PNAS...82.3716L. doi:10.1073/pnas.82.11.3716. PMC 397858. PMID 3858845.