The Coral and Zooxanthellae Symbiosis Conventional Kinesin's Role in the Expulsion of Zooxanthellae during Induced Bleaching

Date of Award

2005

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelors

Department

Natural Sciences

First Advisor

Gilchrist, Sandra

Keywords

Coral, Zooxanthellae, Kinesin, Bleaching

Area of Concentration

Biology

Abstract

Coral reefs are an important part of the ocean's ecosystem. Reef forming coral share a symbiotic relationship with zooxanthellae (Symbiodinium), a dinoflagellate. Bleaching, or expulsion of their zooxanthellae occurs when corals encounter environmental stress, such as raised sea water temperatures. With the loss of its symbionts, coral recovery rates decline. A better understanding of the bleaching process will help researchers identify ways to predict accurately and potentially prevent coral bleaching. In this study, the mechanisms involved in induced coral bleaching were explored. A kinesin heavy chain (KHC) inhibitor, SUK4, was applied to Acropora sp. fragments under induced bleaching conditions (i.e. raised temperatures). BioPORTER, a new protein transfector, was used to attempt to incorporate the antibody into the coral cells. Coral fragments exposed to SUK4 did not release fewer zooxanthellae as predicted, leaving the exact method of expulsion unclear. However, studies using a larger sample size and an antibody known to be compatible with coral KHC will lead to a more precise understanding of kinesin's role in zooxanthellae expulsion during the bleaching phenomena.

Rights

This bibliographic record is available under the Creative Commons CC0 public domain dedication. The New College of Florida, as creator of this bibliographic record, has waived all rights to it worldwide under copyright law, including all related and neighboring rights, to the extent allowed by law.

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