Bioluminescent Vacuole
| Organelle Details | |
|---|---|
| Bioluminescent Vacuole |  |
| Base Cost (MP) | - |
| Requires Nucleus | Yes |
| Processes | - |
| Enzymes | - |
| Size (Hexes) | - |
| Osmoregulation Cost | - |
| Storage | - |
| Unique | - |
| Upgrades | - |
| Internal Name | bioluminescentVacuole |
Creates light. Not yet implemented in Thrive.
Requirements
Cannot be added to cells. To be implemented.
Processes
No processes. To be implemented.
Modifications
No modifications. To be implemented.
Effects
No effects. To be implemented.
Upgrades
No upgrades. To be implemented.
Strategy
Not available in the game. To be implemented.
Scientific Background
Many real organisms are bioluminescent, including some bacteria and protists. The act of chemically producing light within an organism's body has many uses, including attracting mates, communicating with members of the same species, and attracting or repelling other species. Bioluminescence in microscopic algae can produce algal blooms, illuminating enormous regions of ocean in a blue-green glow.
At present, we haven't agreed an in-game function for bioluminescence. Although it would be a nice cosmetic touch and even a player aid in dark environments, useful game mechanics based on bioluminescence have been hard to formulate. Intra-species communication is already covered by the Signaling Agent, and any other uses seem difficult to justify when it would incur an inevitable ATP 
cost.
It may take the form of a Bioluminescent Vacuole or a more specific organelle. One real-world example is the scintillon.
If you feel strongly about the inclusion of Bioluminescent Vacuoles or have suggestions for worthwhile in-game functions, head to our suggestions board.