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Related Experiment Videos

Spectral sensitivity in a sponge larva.

Sally P Leys1, Thomas W Cronin, Bernard M Degnan

  • 1Department of Biology, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, V8W 3N5, Canada. spleys@uvic.ca

Journal of Comparative Physiology. A, Neuroethology, Sensory, Neural, and Behavioral Physiology
|April 27, 2002
PubMed
Summary

Sponge larvae use cilia for directional swimming, responding to light. This study reveals their photosensitivity peaks in blue light (440 nm) and orange-red light (600 nm), suggesting a flavin or carotenoid pigment.

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Area of Science:

  • Marine Biology
  • Developmental Biology
  • Biophysics

Background:

  • Cilia-driven directional swimming in demosponge larvae is known.
  • Larval response to light gradients suggests photosensitivity.
  • The spectral sensitivity and molecular basis of this response remain uncharacterized.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the action spectrum of photosensitivity in Reniera sp. sponge larvae.
  • To investigate the spectral sensitivity of light-induced ciliary responses.
  • To infer potential photoreceptive pigments based on spectral data.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized a shadow response (sudden light intensity change) to probe photosensitivity.
  • Measured larval ciliary responses across different light wavelengths.

Related Experiment Videos

  • Determined the action spectrum of photosensitivity.

    • Main Results:

    • Larvae exhibited a primary photosensitivity peak at blue light (440 nm).
    • A secondary, smaller response peak was observed at orange-red light (600 nm).
    • The action spectrum indicates specific wavelength sensitivities.

    Conclusions:

    • The spectral sensitivity data suggest the involvement of flavin or carotenoid pigments.
    • This research provides the first insight into the molecular basis of photosensitivity in sponge larvae.
    • Understanding larval phototaxis is crucial for marine invertebrate development and ecology.