Description
The reaction sequence starts with the incorporation of a molecule of oxygen into reduced FMN bound to the enzyme, forming luciferase peroxyflavin. The peroxyflavin interacts with an aliphatic long-chain aldehyde, producing a highly fluorescent species believed to be luciferase hydroxyflavin. The enzyme is highly specific for reduced FMN and for long-chain aliphatic aldehydes with eight carbons or more. The highest efficiency is achieved with tetradecanal. cf. EC 1.13.12.18, dinoflagellate luciferase