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photophore
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Photogenic organ
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Bioluminescence
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photophore

anatomy
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History

photophore, light-emitting organ present in fireflies and certain other bioluminescent animals. Photophores are glandular in origin and produce light by a chemical reaction. Photophores vary in size and form but often contain such structures as lenses, reflecting layers, and filters in addition to the light-producing material. See also bioluminescence.