The influence of UV-B radiation on the reproductive cells of the intertidal macroalga, Enteromorpha intestinalis
Cordi, B.; Donkin, M.E.; Peloquin, J.; Price, D.N.; Depledge, M.H. (2001). The influence of UV-B radiation on the reproductive cells of the intertidal macroalga, Enteromorpha intestinalis. Aquat. Toxicol. 56(1): 1-11. https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0166-445X(01)00194-1
In: Aquatic Toxicology. Elsevier Science: Tokyo; New York; London; Amsterdam. ISSN 0166-445X; e-ISSN 1879-1514, more
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| Keywords |
Algae
Biomarkers
Environments > Aquatic environment > Marine environment
Flora > Weeds > Marine organisms > Seaweeds
Luminescence > Fluorescence
Organic compounds > Carbohydrates > Glycosides > Pigments > Photosynthetic pigments > Chlorophylls
Population functions > Growth
Radiations > Electromagnetic radiation > Ultraviolet radiation
Reproduction
Enteromorpha intestinalis (Linnaeus) Nees, 1820 [WoRMS]
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| Authors | | Top |
- Cordi, B., correspondent
- Donkin, M.E.
- Peloquin, J.
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- Price, D.N.
- Depledge, M.H.
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| Abstract |
The relative sensitivity of the reproductive cells of the seaweed Enteromorpha intestinalis to UV-B was assessed by measuring in vivo chlorophyll fluorescence (Fv variable fluorescence), germination success and growth rates. Zoospores (the asexual reproductive cells) exhibit up to a 6 fold higher sensitivity to UV-B exposure than the mature thalli (measured as chlorophyll fluorescence, Fv), and differences in growth rates were also found. Consistent patterns emerged throughout these experiments in variable fluorescence, germination success and growth rates, indicating a greater sensitivity in the sexual reproductive phase of the life cycle compared with the asexual phase. Inhibition of germination success (up to 50%) and growth rates (up to 16.4%) of settled gametes and zoospores after 1-h exposures to elevated levels of UV-B (equivalent to 27 and 31% ozone depletion) showed that damage to the reproductive cells was irreversible. In conclusion, the ecological significance of elevated UV-B exposure in the marine environment may be seriously under-estimated if effects on the early lifestages of algae are not considered. |
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