. 24/7 Space News .
WATER WORLD
Coral 'toolkit' allows floating larvae to transform into reef skeletons
by Staff Writers
Honolulu HI (SPX) Apr 29, 2016


A juvenile lace coral (Pocillopora damicornis), with coral tissue and algal symbionts (brown dots within the tissue) covering the newly grown skeleton. Image courtesy Hollie Putnam, UH SOEST. For a larger version of this image please go here.

In a study published this week, researchers from the University of Hawai'i at Manoa (UHM), Rutgers University, and the University of Haifa identified key and novel components of the molecular "toolkit" that allow corals to build their skeletons (called biomineralization) and described when - in the transformation from floating larvae to coral skeleton - these components are used.

Corals are the sum of a symbiotic relationship between cnidarian animals and millions of single-celled algae that live inside their tissues. These symbiotic algae photosynthesize and provide the energy corals need to build their skeletons.

In turn, the skeletons form the structure and framework of coral reefs that provide habitat to fishes and other animals. Coral reef are so large they can be seen from space, and generate goods and services valued on the order of billions of dollars annually.

The reefs of Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii around the Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology (HIMB) at the UHM School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology (SOEST) provided the ideal natural coral study system.

"Our research on reproduction in the lace coral, Pocillopora damicornis, provided the perfect opportunity to look at a natural on-off switch in coral biomineralization," said co-lead author Hollie Putnam, HIMB assistant researcher.

Corals release their offspring as swimming larvae with no skeleton. The larvae change shape, settle onto the reef, and start to build their skeletons. Putnam and Ruth Gates, senior researcher and director of HIMB, collaborated with scientists from Rutgers University, and the University of Haifa to examine gene expression and the production of proteins at these different life stages.

"Together, we described components that were 'off' or 'on' before and after the first skeletal structures were built," said Putnam.

"This approach revealed the quantity and location of important components of the biomineralization machinery, knowledge that allows them to be developed as biomarkers for studies of coral growth in the future."

Coral reefs are undergoing mass mortality due to high seawater temperatures and ocean acidification is diminishing their capacity for skeletal growth. These global stressors are superimposed on the local threats of coastal development, excess nutrients, and overfishing; and all combine to threaten the persistence of corals as a functional ecosystem.

"The better we understand how corals grow, the better we understand the way they respond to ocean acidification, rising sea surface temperatures and pollution and can therefore forecast and manage reefs communities in the future," said Ruth Gates.

The team is currently working to further describe these novel components of the biomineralization machine in corals and how they are regulated under increased environmental stress.

Research paper: Temporal and spatial expression patterns of biomineralization proteins during early development in the stony coral Pocillopora damicornis


Thanks for being here;
We need your help. The SpaceDaily news network continues to grow but revenues have never been harder to maintain.

With the rise of Ad Blockers, and Facebook - our traditional revenue sources via quality network advertising continues to decline. And unlike so many other news sites, we don't have a paywall - with those annoying usernames and passwords.

Our news coverage takes time and effort to publish 365 days a year.

If you find our news sites informative and useful then please consider becoming a regular supporter or for now make a one off contribution.
SpaceDaily Contributor
$5 Billed Once


credit card or paypal
SpaceDaily Monthly Supporter
$5 Billed Monthly


paypal only


.


Related Links
University of Hawaii at Manoa
Water News - Science, Technology and Politics






Comment on this article via your Facebook, Yahoo, AOL, Hotmail login.

Share this article via these popular social media networks
del.icio.usdel.icio.us DiggDigg RedditReddit GoogleGoogle

Previous Report
WATER WORLD
NASA helps mmonitor LA coastline
Pasadena CA (JPL) Apr 27, 2016
When a Los Angeles water treatment plant had to discharge treated water closer to shore than usual in the fall of 2015 due to repair work, NASA satellite observations helped scientists from the City of Los Angeles and local research institutions monitor the Santa Monica Bay for any impacts. For the city, it was an opportunity to assess the use of satellites in guiding a substantial monitoring ef ... read more


WATER WORLD
First rocket made ready for launch at Vostochny spaceport

Supernova iron found on the moon

Russia to shift all Lunar launches to Vostochny Cosmodrome

Lunar lava tubes could help pave way for human colony

WATER WORLD
NASA seeks industry ideas for an advanced Mars satellite

Rover mini-walkabout to find clay mineral continues

Russia, Italy plan first bid to explore beneath mars surface in 2018

First light for ExoMars

WATER WORLD
When technology bites back

Menstruation in spaceflight: Options for astronauts

Tech industry titans urge US to better fund science ed

Space Subcommittee examines commercial challenges

WATER WORLD
China to become aerospace power by 2030

150 Long March rocket launches scheduled 2016-2020

China aims for deeper space with new generation rockets

China targets 2020 Mars mission launch: official

WATER WORLD
15 years of Europe on the International Space Station

US-Russia Space Projects Set Example of Good Cooperation

Russia, US discuss boosting efficiency of cooperation at ISS

BEAM successfully installed to the International Space Station

WATER WORLD
Soyuz meets its multi-satellite payload for Friday's Arianespace launch

Europe makes fourth attempt to launch Russian rocket

Sentinel-1B in position for liftoff

Arianespace cooperation with Russia remains smooth amid sanctions

WATER WORLD
Kepler spacecraft recovered and returned to the K2 Mission

Lone planetary-mass object found in family of stars

University of Massachusetts Lowell PICTURE-B Mission Completed

Stars strip away atmospheres of nearby super-Earths

WATER WORLD
Liquid spiral vortex discovered

New material combines useful, typically incompatible properties

Researchers coax molecules into assembling themselves

It takes more than peer pressure to make large microgels fit in









The content herein, unless otherwise known to be public domain, are Copyright 1995-2024 - Space Media Network. All websites are published in Australia and are solely subject to Australian law and governed by Fair Use principals for news reporting and research purposes. AFP, UPI and IANS news wire stories are copyright Agence France-Presse, United Press International and Indo-Asia News Service. ESA news reports are copyright European Space Agency. All NASA sourced material is public domain. Additional copyrights may apply in whole or part to other bona fide parties. All articles labeled "by Staff Writers" include reports supplied to Space Media Network by industry news wires, PR agencies, corporate press officers and the like. Such articles are individually curated and edited by Space Media Network staff on the basis of the report's information value to our industry and professional readership. Advertising does not imply endorsement, agreement or approval of any opinions, statements or information provided by Space Media Network on any Web page published or hosted by Space Media Network. General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) Statement Our advertisers use various cookies and the like to deliver the best ad banner available at one time. All network advertising suppliers have GDPR policies (Legitimate Interest) that conform with EU regulations for data collection. By using our websites you consent to cookie based advertising. If you do not agree with this then you must stop using the websites from May 25, 2018. Privacy Statement. Additional information can be found here at About Us.