Temperature–oxygen interactions in Antarctic nudibranch egg masses

Temperature-oxygen interactions in Antarctic nudibranch egg masses.

The Southern Ocean is one of the coldest, most stable marine environments on Earth and represents a unique environment for investigating metabolic consequences of low temperature. Here we test predictions of a new diffusion-reaction model of O(2) distributions in egg masses, using egg masses of the Antarctic nudibranch mollusk, Tritonia challengeriana. When warmed from -1.5 degrees to +1.5 degr...

Limits to Diffusive O2 Transport: Flow, Form, and Function in Nudibranch Egg Masses from Temperate and Polar Regions

BACKGROUND Many aquatic animals enclose embryos in gelatinous masses, and these embryos rely on diffusion to supply oxygen. Mass structure plays an important role in limiting or facilitating O2 supply, but external factors such as temperature and photosynthesis can play important roles as well. Other external factors are less well understood. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS We first explored t...

Distribution of granuloside in the Antarctic nudibranch Charcotia granulosa (Gastropoda: Heterobranchia: Charcotiidae)

and the glandular structures are absent in the trochophore larvae. Our results suggest that C. granulosa synthesizes granuloside de novo in early stages of its ontogeny, instead of obtaining it from the prey. Considering the wide geographic area inhabited by this slug, this may be advantageous, because natural products produced by the slug will not be affected by fluctuant food availability. Ov...

Chemical Interactions in Antarctic Marine Benthic Ecosystems

Photosynthesis drives oxygen levels in macrophyte-associated gastropod egg masses.

Many aquatic animals deposit fertilized eggs in adherent clutches or gelatinous masses. Egg aggregation carries certain risks, including the potential for inadequate oxygen supply to embryos. Physical and biological conditions alter such risks. We examined the effects of light levels and associated photosynthetic organisms on the distribution of oxygen inside gelatinous egg masses of four tempe...