Physiological Ecology of UV-Absorbing Compunds in Antarctic Organisms

这项研究将有助于我们全面了解 海洋生物必须保护的天然“防晒霜” 防止紫外线（UV）辐射。 因为担心 由于全球臭氧层破坏， 对评估这种大气的生态影响至关重要， 南极洲生物系统的现象。 类菌孢菌素 氨基酸（MAA）吸收来自紫外线部分的辐射， 太阳光谱，并在海洋物种中常见。 从MAAs获得的科学信息将进一步促进我们的 了解海洋生物如何应对紫外线照射， 继续在生态系统中发挥作用。 知之甚少 关于浮游植物产生MAAs的调节机制 或这些化合物在动物组织中积累的方式。 Karentz博士建议确定MAA浓度的变化是否 代表对紫外线暴露的适应性反应，并检查 初级生产者中MAA含量与 他们的消费者。 本研究将通过比较 2000年12月31日某些藻类和无脊椎动物物种中的甲基丙烯酸浓度 在每年春季的不同时间， 在不同的生命周期中， 周期阶段，并在受控的光照和食物条件下。

This study will contribute to our understanding of the full range of natural "sunscreens" that marine organisms have to protect themselves against ultraviolet (UV) radiation. With concerns about increased incident UV caused by global ozone depletion, it is crucial to evaluate the ecological effects of this atmospheric phenomenon on biological systems in Antarctica. Mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs) absorb radiation from the UV portion of the solar spectrum and are commonly found in marine species. Scientific information obtained on MAAs will further our understanding of how marine organisms deal with UV exposure and continue to function within their ecosystems. Little is known about the regulatory mechanism of MAAs production in phytoplankton or the mode by which such compounds accumulate in animal tissue. Dr. Karentz proposes to determine if changes in MAA concentration represents an adaptive response to UV exposure and to examine the possible relationships between MAA content in primary producers and their consumers. The research will be accomplished by comparing MAA concentrations in selected algal and invertebrate species at different times during the annual springtime gradients of increasing day length and ozone depletion, during different life cycle stages, and under controlled light and food conditions.