Questions and Answers
What are zooxanthellae?
Dinoflagellate, unicellular algae that can be free-living or symbiotic.
What are the chemical requirements of zooxanthellae?
CO2, Nitrogen, Phosphorous.
What do zooxanthellae translocate?
Sugars, complex carbohydrates, amino acids, and small peptides.
What percentage of photosynthetic products is transferred to the host by zooxanthellae?
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Why do hosts need to control the number of zooxanthellae?
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How do corals and jellyfish control rates of photosynthesis by zooxanthellae?
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What do corals provide to zooxanthellae?
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What do zooxanthellae supply the coral with?
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What does the coral do with the products supplied by zooxanthellae?
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How does the relationship between zooxanthellae and coral contribute to the water?
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What are zooxanthellae responsible for?
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What is coral bleaching?
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What happens to the polyps if they go without zooxanthellae for too long?
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What type of relationship do coral polyps and zooxanthellae have?
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Why do corals require clear water?
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Where are reefs generally found?
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What is the interesting paradox about coral reefs?
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Study Notes
Zooxanthellae Overview
- Zooxanthellae are photosynthetic dinoflagellate algae that reside in coral tissues.
- Densities can reach 1-5 million cells per cm² of host tissue.
Chemical Requirements
- Essential nutrients for zooxanthellae include carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrogen, and phosphorus.
- They can utilize CO2 and nitrogen excreted by coral hosts and absorb inorganic phosphorus from water.
Nutrient Translocation
- Zooxanthellae translocate sugars, complex carbohydrates, amino acids, and small peptides to the coral.
- This translocation is under biochemical control of the coral host.
Photosynthetic Product Transfer
- Approximately 90% of organic material produced by zooxanthellae via photosynthesis is transferred to the coral.
Host Control Mechanisms
- Corals manage the number of zooxanthellae to prevent potential toxicity from excess oxygen and free radicals.
Regulation of Photosynthesis
- Both corals and jellyfish can neutralize oxygen free radicals and hydrogen peroxide through specific enzymes.
- Corals can adjust light exposure for zooxanthellae by expanding or contracting their tentacles, and excess zooxanthellae may be digested or expelled, leading to bleaching.
Mutual Benefits
- Coral provides zooxanthellae with protection and necessary compounds for photosynthesis.
- In return, zooxanthellae produce oxygen and assist corals in waste removal.
Supply of Nutrients
- Zooxanthellae supply glucose, glycerol, and amino acids to corals as products of photosynthesis.
Coral Utilization
- Corals convert glucose, glycerol, and amino acids into proteins, fats, carbohydrates, and calcium carbonate.
Nutrient Recycling
- The association between zooxanthellae and corals maintains a tight nutrient recycling process, crucial in nutrient-poor tropical waters.
Aesthetic Role
- Zooxanthellae contribute to the vibrant colors of stony corals, enhancing their visual appeal.
Coral Bleaching
- Stress causes coral polyps to expel zooxanthellae, leading to a stark white appearance known as coral bleaching.
Consequences of Bleaching
- Prolonged lack of zooxanthellae can lead to coral death, highlighting the symbiosis's importance.
Relationship Type
- The interaction between coral polyps (animals) and zooxanthellae (plants) is mutualistic, benefiting both parties.
Environmental Response
- Coral reefs respond to environmental changes similarly to plants due to their association with zooxanthellae.
Water Clarity Requirement
- Clear water is essential for coral reefs, facilitating light availability for zooxanthellae to perform photosynthesis.
Habitat Conditions
- Reefs thrive in low turbidity and low productivity waters, minimizing suspended material presence.
Productivity Paradox
- Although coral reefs require clear, nutrient-poor environments, they are among the most productive and biodiverse marine ecosystems.
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Test your knowledge about the vital role of zooxanthellae in coral ecosystems through these flashcards. Learn about their characteristics, symbiotic relationships, and chemical requirements. Ideal for students studying marine biology.