Energy release
Inside every cell of all living things, energy is needed to carry out life processes. Energy is required to break down and build up molecules, and to transport many molecules across plasma membranes. All of life's work needs energy. The light of a firefly is a chemical reaction caused by an organic compound in their abdomens. The compound is called luciferin. As air rushes into a firefly's abdomen, it reacts with the luciferin. It causes a chemical reaction that gives off the firefly's familiar glow.
