Flashing is interpreted as a defensive response to potential predators. We suggest that the unique anatomical and physiological characteristics of the luminescent system are related to the specialised ecological niche occupied by this species. conifera swims at Reynolds numbers of 10 to 50, and is normally associated with surfaces (e.g. The cytoplasm contains an extensive endoplasmic reticulum. The gland gross morphology is highly variable although each gland appears to be unicellular. Video observations show that individual glands flash repeatedly and the flash propagates along their lenght. Individual flashes had a maximum measured flux of 7.5 × 1010 quanta s−1, and the flash rate follows the stimulus frequency up to 30 s−1. Cell identification, Macrophagic cells were identified as NAE-positive cells with macrophagic morphology. 512.62 previous price 512.62 5 off 5 off previous. were taken on a Vickers M41 photoplan microscope using Kodak Panatomic X film and a green filter. Intact copepods can produce several hundred flashes before the luminescent system is exhausted. Vickers Photoplan Microscope w / 4 Objectives, 2 Lamps, Power Supply. Nevertheless each gland opens to the exterior by a simple valved pore. Approximately 100 labelled lymphocytes were counted and classified into the following. Bioluminescence is produced in the form of short (80 to 200 ms duration) flashes from within each gland and there is no visible secretory component. scanned under a Vickers photoplan fluorescence micro- scope. The small poecilostomatoid copepod Oncaea conifera Giesbrecht bears a large number of epidermal luminous glands, distributed primarily over the dorsal cephalosome and urosome.