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Related Concept Videos

Red Algae01:23

Red Algae

Red algae, also known as rhodophytes, are primarily found in marine environments, though some species inhabit freshwater and terrestrial ecosystems. These organisms exist in both unicellular and multicellular forms, with some multicellular varieties reaching macroscopic sizes.As phototrophic organisms, red algae contain chlorophyll a; however, their chloroplasts lack chlorophyll b. Instead, they possess phycobiliproteins, which serve as major light-harvesting pigments, similar to those found in...
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The group Stramenopiles include some phototrophic microorganisms. Members of this group possess flagella covered in numerous short, hairlike extensions, a feature that inspired the group's name, derived from the Latin words for "straw" and "hair." Some of the main categories of Stramenopiles include diatoms, golden algae, and brown algae.Diatoms are unicellular, photosynthetic eukaryotes, with over 200 known genera. They play a key role in the planktonic communities of both marine and...
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Green algae, also referred to as chlorophytes, are different from red algae in having the chloroplasts containing chlorophylls a and b, which give them their distinct green hue. However, they lack phycobiliproteins, preventing them from developing the red or blue-green pigmentation seen in red algae. In terms of photosynthetic pigment composition, green algae closely resemble plants and share a close evolutionary relationship with them. Taxonomically Green algae belong to Phylum Chlorophyta in...
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Marine microbial ecosystems are shaped by distinct physicochemical limits, including high salinity, low nutrient availability, and fluctuating oxygen levels. These conditions favor smaller microbial cell sizes, which maximize their surface-to-volume ratio for efficient nutrient uptake.Microbial activity and community composition are closely linked to biogeochemical cycles, particularly in dynamic environments like estuaries, where halotolerant microbes thrive in response to variable salinity...
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The kingdom Archaeplastida encompasses red and green algae, along with land plants. Unlike other protists with chloroplasts that arose through secondary endosymbiosis, only red and green algae originated from primary endosymbiotic events. This diverse group of eukaryotic organisms contains chlorophyll and performs oxygenic photosynthesis.Algae exist in various forms, from large brown kelp in coastal waters to green scum in puddles and stains on rocks or soil. Some species are responsible for...
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An Integrated Micro-Device System for Coral Growth and Monitoring
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Published on: July 21, 2023

Macroalgae decrease growth and alter microbial community structure of the reef-building coral, Porites astreoides.

Rebecca Vega Thurber1, Deron E Burkepile, Adrienne M S Correa

  • 1Florida International University, Deptartment of Biological Sciences, North Miami, Florida, United States of America.

Plos One
|September 8, 2012
PubMed
Summary

Macroalgae negatively impact coral health by altering their microbiomes and reducing growth. This competition can accelerate coral reef decline, highlighting a critical feedback loop in reef ecosystems.

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Area of Science:

  • Marine Biology
  • Ecology
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Coral reefs face unprecedented decline globally.
  • Macroalgae are increasing on tropical reefs as coral cover decreases.
  • The coral microbiome is crucial for coral health and survival.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate how macroalgae affect the coral microbiome.
  • To determine if macroalgal competition impacts coral growth.

Main Methods:

  • Field experiment involving the coral Porites astreoides and five macroalgae species.
  • Analysis of coral-associated microbial communities.
  • Measurement of coral growth rates.

Main Results:

  • Macroalgal contact increased microbial community variance and altered composition with two species.
  • All macroalgae led to the loss of a key coral mutualist bacterium.
  • Macroalgae introduced new microbes to corals and altered existing microbial populations.
  • Coral growth rates decreased by an average of 36.8% due to macroalgal competition.

Conclusions:

  • Competition with macroalgae significantly alters the coral microbiome.
  • Macroalgal interactions with corals create a feedback loop contributing to coral loss.
  • These findings provide a mechanism for macroalgae-induced coral health decline.