SYMBIOTIC ENVIRONMENT Flashcards
WHAT IS SYMBIOSIS?
used to describe any permanent or long-
lasting association between two or more different species of
organisms.
HOST
-Refers to the larger member of the
symbiosis.
-Typically provides shelter for its
symbiont.
SYMBIONT
-Known as the smaller member in the
symbiosis.
- aid in supplementing nutrients that
the host can’t obtain sufficient
amounts .
CHARACTERISTICS OF ALGAL/INVERTEBRATE SYMBIOSES
High Genetic Diversity
Obligated symbiosis
Algae species can be extracellular or intracellular in their hosts.
Symbiosis’ specificity should be high
Algae is able to resist defensive mechanism of the
hosts
METABOLIC INTERACTIONS IN ALGAL/INVERTEBRATE SYMBIOSES
Algae Photosynthesis & Carbon Fixation
Nutrient Supply Absorption
Enhancement of Calcification
Shading Mechanism Developed by the Algae
Protecting Algae form Herbivores
The accumulation of calcium salts into body tissue, such as bones,
shells, and carapaces of the organisms.
CALCIFICATION
What is Coral Calcification?
A process by which corals produce calcium carbonate (CaCO3).
It is a measure of coral growth, which is important for healthy
reef ecosystems.
WHERE DOES CORAL CALCIFICATION OCCURS?
in the space between the innermost tissue of the corals, calicodermis, and the skeleton.
Calcification is accelerated by light
photosynthesis-driven process
CORAL CALCIFICATION EQUATION
Ca2+ + 2HCO3- -> CaCO3 + CO2 + H2O
WHY DO CORALS CALCIFY?
INCREASE SURFACE AREA
STRUCTURAL SUPPORT FOR THE ORGANISMS
A MECHANISM TO MAINTAIN ELEVATION ABOVE SEDIMENT-WATER INTERFACE.
A WAY OF MAINTAINING A CLOSE PROXIMITY TO HIGH LIGHT LEVEL
MEANS FOR KEEPING UP WITH SEA LEVEL RISE
WHAT ARE THE TWO SETS OF TISSUE LAYERS IN CORALS?
an oral diploblastic layer in which the epithelial layer does not calcify (dark pink).
aboral diploblastic tissue layer in which the epithelium calcifies (known as the calicodermis: darker red).
PROCESS ON HOW CORALS BUILD THEIR SKELETONS
-WATER EXCHANGE BETWEEN AMBIENT SEAWATER AND GASTROVASCULAR CAVITY (GVC) THROUGH THE POLYP MOUTH
-ACTIVE, PASSIVE OR PARACELLULAR FLUX FROM SEAWATER ACROSS TISSUE LAYERS INTO THE GVC
-EXCHANGE OF METABOLITES FROM RESPIRATION, PHOTOSYNTHESIS, AND OTHER METABOLIC PROCESSES BETWEEN GVC AND SURROUNDING GASTRODERMAL CELLS
- EXCHANGE OF IONS BETWEEN GVC, CALICODERMIS AND SITES OF CALCIFICATION BY PHAGOCYTOSIS, PHAGOSOME MIGRATION, ACTIVE/PASSIVE TRANSPORT MECHANISM
How does ocean acidification affect coral calcification?
Ocean acidification can negatively affect marine life, causing organisms’ shells and skeletons made from calcium carbonate to dissolve. The more acidic the ocean, the faster the shells dissolve.
What is phosphorus?
Phosphorus, like nitrogen, is a critical nutrient required for all life.
