By: Delianis Pringgenies & Dafit Ariyanto
The light organ, typically an artificial device capable of emitting light, contrasts with natural light-producing organs found in certain animals. Loligo duvaucelii, for instance, is a species endowed with bioluminescence originating from fluorescent bacteria residing symbiotically within its ink sacs. This research endeavors to elucidate the intricate architecture of the squid's light organ utilizing transmission electron microscopy (TEM).
The findings reveal that Loligo duvaucelii possesses a pair of light organs affixed to the dorso-lateral ink sac. These spherical light organs exhibit varying positions—some protruding from the surface while others are embedded within the ink sac wall. Structurally, they encompass a lens situated externally on the ink sac's surface, alongside a sac housing the light organs (embedded within the sac wall), interconnected via channels to the mantle cavity. The sac wall manifests three distinct layers: an innermost layer featuring multifolds with microvilli on cell surfaces, interspersed with bacterial colonies, a dense reflective layer, and a pigmented layer.
Additionally, cilia are discernible on the duct's surface, facilitating connection between the sac and the mantle cavity. The study concludes that the squid's light organ is characterized by a convex lens configuration and muscular structure. Notably, the pockets within the light organs harbor dense bacterial populations. The reflective layer comprises multiple strata, while the pigment layer contains numerous granules, delineating a complex yet finely orchestrated architecture.
Source: Jurnal Moluska Indonesia
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