The Biochemistry of Primary Attachment in the Serpulid Larvae Hydroides Elegans.

Abstract

The serpulid polychaete, Hydroides elegans, is a prominent fouling organism in tropical marine waters. Fouling is first caused by the formation of an unmineralized primary tube and thread by settling larvae. This is replaced by a mineralized secondary attachment tube during metamorphosis. Biochemical analysis of the primary and secondary tubes suggests a composition rich in acidic amino acids and glycine. Dopa is transiently present in new growth. The latter finding, particularly, may indicate a functional similarity to the adhesive proteins of mussels, ascidians, and sabellariids.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 01, 1999
Accession Number
ADA358907

Entities

People

  • J. H. Waite

Organizations

  • University of Delaware

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Acidic Amino Acids
  • Adhesives
  • Amino Acids
  • Aspartic Acid
  • Attachment
  • Biochemistry
  • Chemical Compounds
  • Chemical Synthesis
  • Chemistry
  • Glutamic Acid
  • Materials
  • Sequences
  • Universities

Readers

  • Aquatic Ecology
  • Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry
  • Underwater engineering and Marine Technology.