Can macroalgae “talk” to each other?
All organisms in the sea interact with each other in one or several ways. Evolution has selected the most effective strategies for survival.
HOW DO ALGAE INTERACT WITH THEIR SURROUNDINGS?
All organisms in the sea interact with each other in one or several ways. Evolution has selected the most effective strategies for survival.
Can macroalgae “talk” to each other?
Indeed, in the 1970s it was discovered that macroalgae communicate via chemical signals, both for defense and attraction.
Female plants of some macroalgal species release specific chemicals, pheromones, to announce that they are ready for fertilization. Attracted by these signals, the male sperm from the same species are drawn to the eggs.
Some macroalgae also follow the lunar cycle and time the release of eggs and sperm to coincide with the full moon.
Chemical compounds are also commonly used as deterrents. Kelp and other macroalgae are attractive as both food and habitat, and different chemical compounds deter organisms from trying to eat or attach to them by being toxic to varying degrees. Some signalling is waterborne, and algae appear to be able to “talk to each other” in this way.
One study by a founder of Nordic SeaFarm showed that ungrazed knotted wrack, when exposed to water from neighbouring knotted wrack plants that were being grazed upon, increased their production of deterrent chemicals in response to waterborne cues.
(Toth G, Pavia H (2000) Water-borne cues induce chemical defense in a marine alga (Ascophyllum nodosum), Proc. Natl Acad. Sci. USA 97: 14418–14420.)
Macroalgae also have several morphological properties that work to their advantage. Many large-growing species have efficient ways of attaching to substrates such as rocks. The plants are both strong and flexible, allowing them to withstand currents and waves. Some macroalgae, such as certain kelp species, have a slimy surface rich in polysaccharides, making it more difficult for fouling organisms to settle on them.
HOW DO ALGAE INTERACT WITH THEIR SURROUNDINGS?
All organisms in the sea interact with each other in one or several ways. Evolution has selected the most effective strategies for survival.
Can macroalgae “talk” to each other?
Indeed, in the 1970s it was discovered that macroalgae communicate via chemical signals, both for defense and attraction.
Female plants of some macroalgal species release specific chemicals, pheromones, to announce that they are ready for fertilization. Attracted by these signals, the male sperm from the same species are drawn to the eggs.
Some macroalgae also follow the lunar cycle and time the release of eggs and sperm to coincide with the full moon.
Chemical compounds are also commonly used as deterrents. Kelp and other macroalgae are attractive as both food and habitat, and different chemical compounds deter organisms from trying to eat or attach to them by being toxic to varying degrees. Some signalling is waterborne, and algae appear to be able to “talk to each other” in this way.
One study by a founder of Nordic SeaFarm showed that ungrazed knotted wrack, when exposed to water from neighbouring knotted wrack plants that were being grazed upon, increased their production of deterrent chemicals in response to waterborne cues.
(Toth G, Pavia H (2000) Water-borne cues induce chemical defense in a marine alga (Ascophyllum nodosum), Proc. Natl Acad. Sci. USA 97: 14418–14420.)
Macroalgae also have several morphological properties that work to their advantage. Many large-growing species have efficient ways of attaching to substrates such as rocks. The plants are both strong and flexible, allowing them to withstand currents and waves. Some macroalgae, such as certain kelp species, have a slimy surface rich in polysaccharides, making it more difficult for fouling organisms to settle on them.