Light-emitting reaction in luminous bacteria. a long-chain fatty aldehyde + FMNH2 + O2 = a long-chain fatty acid + FMN + 2 H(+) + H2O + hnu Heterodimer of an alpha and a beta chain. The synthesis of this protein is regulated by a complex control mechanism that has been termed autoinduction. In fully induced cells luciferase comprises up to 5% of the soluble protein. Belongs to the bacterial luciferase oxidoreductase family.