Scientists have managed to create glow-in-the-dark plants using bioluminescent fungi to change the way they use caffeic acid. This is an important chemical to the process that lets certain fungi glow, but is also present in all plants, so by genetically converting them to caffeic acid for a compound called luciferin, they give of a stunning glow.
Unlike previous experiments, the methods used to modify the plants enabled the scientists to continue producing this bioluminescent compound indefinitely. In the past, the specials leaves were only able to maintain bioluminescence for a short time, while this one continues to glow.
- What is a terrarium? It is a miniature garden within a container that simulates a natural environment. So, let your child discover the beauty of nature by creating their own beautiful terrarium with this all-inclusive kit. Watch as it grows by day and glows at night with the innovative LED light under the lid.
- Grows by day, glows at night: Beneath the lid, there is a built-in innovative LED light that transforms the experience into something magical. At night, just hit the small switch to turn on the light and watch how your terrarium turns into a gorgeous illuminated tabletop garden. You have to see it to believe it! The light can easily be recharged with the included Micro-USB cable.
- Kit includes: Terrarium jar (4"x6"), light-up jar lid, Micro-USB charging cable, clear and easy step-by-step instruction booklet, vermiculite soil, blue sand, river rocks, wheatgrass and chia seeds, small bunny and mushroom miniatures, removable stickers for decoration, spray bottle, and wooden stick to aid in planting the seeds. The ultimate arts and crafts for kids & Stem projects for Kids
Expression of the caffeic acid cycle is not toxic in plants and does not impose an obvious burden on plant growth, at least in the greenhouse. Light emission at all developmental stages was visible to the naked eye. By eliminating the need for exogenous addition of luciferin or other substrates, these luminescent properties should be particularly useful in experiments with soil-grown plants,” said the scientists.
