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Research investigating the bacterium with the scientific name of Vibrio fischeri have revealed some highly interesting facts. They established that these bacteria were in communication with one another. According to this research, cells encourage neighboring cells to perform various functions by sending one another special messenger molecules.
Bacteria release a messenger molecule known as AHL in order to simulate one another. This AHL molecule activates a protein known as LuxR. The activated LuxR then activates a marvelous system known as Lux Operon created for light production by binding to the DNA. This system produces both the molecules and enzymes necessary for light production and also the AHL messenger molecules. These AHLs then increase light production by stimulating other bacteria.23
One important detail here is the way the bacteria are present in large numbers and the aggregation of the AHL molecules. In this way, the bacteria are able to emit a large amount of bright light for the fish to use. Indeed, when these bacteria are alone in the sea, no light production like that in the fish takes places, since there is no accumulation of AHL, and thus no light is given off.24