Comparative Receptor Study in Gamete Chemotaxis of the Seaweeds Ectocarpus siliculosus and Cutleria multifida : An Approach to Interspecific Communication of Algal Gametes
: An Approach to Interspecific Communication of Algal Gametes
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Media type:
E-Article
Title:
Comparative Receptor Study in Gamete Chemotaxis of the Seaweeds Ectocarpus siliculosus and Cutleria multifida : An Approach to Interspecific Communication of Algal Gametes
:
An Approach to Interspecific Communication of Algal Gametes
Description:
<jats:p>Gamete fusion in phaeophytes is initiated by olefinic hydrocarbons as messenger substances. They are secreted by the female gametes and act on male gametes or gametangia. The sensitivity thresholds of the androgametes of <jats:italic>Ectocarpus siliculosus</jats:italic> and <jats:italic>Cutleria multifida</jats:italic>, two brown algae of different evolutionary stages, for ectocarpene, which is produced by either species, were found to be 0.89 nmol/l and 8.9 nmol/l sea water, respectively. The molecular recognition mechanism is shown to be identical for these two species and probably also for most other phaeophytes. The pheromones involved are structurally related and sometimes resemble each other in their overall π‐electron distribution (e.g. ectocarpene and multifidence). Knowing the specific messenger, the typical response behaviour of each receptor involved, the pheromone productivity of the considered species as well as other biological parameters (phytogeographic distribution, the natural benthic habitat and times of fertilization), a method is presented to uncover possible interspecific cross‐reactions of such algal communication system as a ‘chemical warfare’ device in their fight for living space.</jats:p>