Partial characterization and biological activity of a metamorphic inducer of the dorid nudibranch Adalaria proxima (Gastropoda: Nudibranchia)

WD Lambert, Christopher David Todd, JD Hardege

Research output: Other contribution

Abstract

Larval metamorphosis of the dorid nudibranch Adalaria proxima is induced by a water-borne cue present in seawater that has been conditioned with live Electra pilosa, its preferred bryozoan prey. Extracts and fractions of Electra-conditioned seawater (CSW) were assessed in bioassays of competent larvae to further elucidate the nature of the inductive chemical cue. Extracts of volatile compounds and lipids present in CSW did not induce metamorphosis; the fractions of CSW remaining after extraction still retained the inducer. Heating CSW to 80 degrees C for 5 min did not eliminate the inductive cue, but metamorphic activity was decreased after boiling CSW for 5 min. No larvae metamorphosed in treatments in which CSW was incubated with trypsin or protease before bioassay. Larvae metamorphosed in CSW after centrifugation, filtration (0.22 mu m), and treatment with a bactericide. Metamorphosis was induced by ultrafiltrates (10 kDa, 1 kDa, and 500 Da) of CSW, albeit in a variable manner. Up to 45% of larvae metamorphosed in the 500 Da and 1 kDa fractions. There was little response by larvae to the 10 kDa fraction. These procedures eliminated volatile organic molecules, lipids, and large proteins as potential molecules inducing metamorphosis of larvae of A. proxima. Furthermore, that treatment of CSW with trypsin eliminated the inductive cue and that metamorphosis occurred in ultrafiltrates of CSW strongly suggests that larvae of A. proxima respond to a small (<500 Da) arginine- or lysine-containing peptide.

Original languageEnglish
Volume116
Publication statusPublished - 1997

Keywords

  • metamorphosis
  • larval induction
  • Mollusca
  • CREPIDULA-FORNICATA L
  • GREEN SEA-URCHIN
  • FREE FATTY-ACIDS
  • SAND DOLLAR
  • STRONGYLOCENTROTUS-DROEBACHIENSIS
  • DENDRASTER-EXCENTRICUS
  • GREGARIOUS SETTLEMENT
  • LARVAL METAMORPHOSIS
  • PARTIAL-PURIFICATION
  • PHESTILLA-SIBOGAE

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Partial characterization and biological activity of a metamorphic inducer of the dorid nudibranch Adalaria proxima (Gastropoda: Nudibranchia)'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this